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UKAN Co-ordinator Wins Poetry Prize

by Amy Ford

The Co-ordinator of UK Advocacy Network, Terry, won the first prize of £50 in the 2001 "Martha Robinson" Poetry Competition. In his poem, "Rubbish", the judges liked the analogy of comparing his life with recycling of rubbish and praised his clear and imaginative use of English. The 21 entries were, it must be stressed, given anonymously to the judges with each poem only identified by a number. The panel of judges included four National Voices people, but also an invited guest, the professional poet Philip Kane. The second prize of £25 went to Louise Glasscoe for her poem "Potion" and the 3rd prize of £10 was won by Libby for "Air". In both these poems the judges were impressed by the many poignant phrases that evoked a profound idea in both an imaginative and emotive way. The judges also awarded three Commendations: "Forgive the Despair" by Alison lslin, "The Inclusion Room" by Ronald Baker and "Changing" by Graham Dawe. All six poems have been included in this issue of Perceptions, but many of the other entries will also be considered for publication in future issues. On behalf of Voices Forum I would like to thank everyone who took part and made this inaugural competition a success with such a high standard of poetry.