The Landsker Poetry Prize Competition Gala Awards evening was held in the Queen's Hall Gallery, Narberth, recently.
Richard Ford, of Appletree Cottage, Narberth, the promoter of this event (the first of many), hosted the evening to an almost full hall of people.
Richard himself writes poetry and other material for radio and has recently brought out a CD of 'Talking Books' for children aged between six to 10, with stories of 'human' animals who live in a town which sounds very much like Narberth!
People commented on the pleasant atmosphere which was prevalent at the gala.
June Ashdown, of Picton Place, Narberth, presented the winners' prizes and certificates of merit, and poems were read by winners and non-winnes alike, including Meghan Beaumont, of Thorney Park Farmhouse, Wooden, who won the Children's Serious Category with her poem 'Soft as Silk'; Dominic Teeling, of Spring Gardens, Narberth, who won the Children's Humorous Category with his poem 'Cats Hate Dogs, Dogs Hate Cats'.
Fiona Nadine Gibby, of Hawthorn Rise, Haverfordwest, won the Junior 15-18 Serious Category with a very moving poem entitled 'Twin Towers'. Nick Lloyd, of Knowling Mead, Tenby, won the Adult Serious Category with 'Charlatan'; Judith Barrow, of Saddleworth House, Kilgetty, wrote an amusing poem entitled 'A Glass of Wine'; and Paul Kemp, of Woodlands View, Johnston, won the Adult Wistful entry entitled 'Amnesia'.
A special Judges Award was also presented to Sarah Jenkins, of Croft Villas, Narberth, for her poem entitled 'A Little Orphan'. Other poems were read by Wendy Gillett, John Bowyer, Grace Garside, Miles Hovey, Gerald Duffett and Richard Ford himself.
Refreshments were served and all profits made will be divided amongst local charities, including Breast Cancer Awareness. A very enjoyable evening was had by all and a special grateful thanks is due to Clr. Wynne Evans, who was the overseer of the event.