Search for the Poet Laureate of Southam

Southam Lions decided to run a Poetry Competition for Southam and the surrounding villages. The competition was split into three age groups; 12 and under, 13 to 18 and Adult. A cash prize and poetry books were awarded in each category.

Judging of the poems was by Southam Lions very own "Poet Laureate" Lion Dave Brough. Although there was a slow start to the number of entries, eventually we received over150 entries many of which were of a very high standard.

Entries were spread across the 3 age groups and with the youngest entrant being a 7 year old and a number of entrants were well into their 80's !

Because of the high standard of entries the Lions decided to offer extra prizes (books) to any poems that were short listed by the judges.

When the Lions Poetry competition was proposed we did not expect the overwhelming response which resulted.

All of the prize winners and some other poems were displayed at the Southam Library and exhibited at the John Turner Festival on Saturday 8th November. At this festival the cash prizes and books of poetry were presented to the winners by Lion President Danny Baker

We are also considering compiling all of the poems entered into a book which will be on sale before Christmas at a low price and 100% of the proceeds will go to local charities.

Below is a special poem "Southam Lions" which did not win a category but was short listed,