Art world Kings gather for pre-Christmas judging of Poems, People and Places

T S Eliot award winning poet George Szirtes, best-selling children's story writer Terence Blacker, renowned local artist Colin Self and former Fleet Street photographer David Koppel gathered at South Norfolk Council with one thing on their minds.

In the week before Christmas, they made their special pilgrimage to South Norfolk House in the village of Long Stratton to pour over the poems, paintings, photographs and short stories, submitted in hope by hundreds of ordinary people.

And by the end of the day, they had short listed the gems they wished to see published in a book, which will go on sale to the public next Autumn.

Council Chairman Robert McClenning, whose idea it was to publish the book - called Poems, People and Places - was clearly dazzled that his famous judges had taken time out to plough through the many entries.

He said:

"Today's event is a huge mark of respect to the hundreds of South Norfolk residents who sent in their poems, paintings, photographs and pieces of literature. There can't be many people around who can say their poem has been read by George Szirtes, their painting judged by Colin Self, their story read by Terence Blacker and their photograph examined by David Koppel."

Councillor Jane Walker, Cabinet Member for Culture and Learning added:

“Not only did we receive a great number of entries but they were all of such a high standard. Congratulations to all of those who have taken part and to those whose work will be shared and enjoyed by others.”

In recognition of their talent, the ten best entries from each category will be accompanied by the judge’s notes. The book will also include the work of others whose submissions were worthy of merit. Poems, People and Places will be an ideal stocking filler for next Christmas as the book will be published in September 2006.

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