By Matt Scorer

Hope Valley College recently celebrated National Poetry Day.  

Librarian Carol Hawkins said: "It is important that the library plays an active role in encouraging the students to engage with literacy. The poetry competition received a fabulous response and was a massive success. It was a real struggle to decide on a winner."

The individual winner was Aidan Jewel for his poem ‘Houdini' whilst the prize for best tutor group was awarded to Mrs. Brewin's tutor for their joint effort entitled ‘Lionheart'.

Other contenders were ‘Dior' by Mrs Saxby's tutor, ‘HERA' by Adam Peach and another poem called Houdini. All entries will be on display in the College library throughout the week.

Mrs. Hawkins added: "We were impressed with the high standard of all entries and we would like to thank everyone who took part and all the staff for the support they gave us in the running of the competition."

National Poetry Day is promoted by the Poetry Society who aim to advance the study, use and enjoyment of poetry. They work with schools to develop opportunities for students, staff and poets to engage in poetry and promote the genre.

Principal Bernie Hunter said: "It is vitally important that students don't forget about literacy the minute they leave an English classroom. We need to ensure that we are encouraging and engaging students in literacy at all times and the poetry competition is a prime example of this. I would like to thank Mrs. Hawkins and her team for everything they did in the running of the competition."

The winning poems can be seen below.

Houdini by Aidan Jewell

Stuck in rope in water so cold
Going crazy - Please help me I'm cold
But God told me to do it all in a dream
So I thought He was right or so it seemed.

Stuck in cold chains, digging through my skin
Each time I wondered if I was going to die
But God would save me time after time again
Until one dull afternoon, Houdini's time was up. Who's to blame?

Lionheart of Ladybower

Lionheart is our special man
He rode a horse and not a van
He rode this horse across the land
Through the rivers and over sands

He was an absent king
A crusader with a ring
His brother John wore his crown
But then just let everybody down

Known for his bravery and not his cryin'
He was nicknamed "Coeur de Lion"
He became a hero in this land
And that is why we think he's grand!