Category Archives: Everyone

Since 1978 the Poetry Society’s National Poetry Competition has seen hundreds of thousands of entries from across the globe. So, if you fancy becoming one of the 3 winners or a Commended finalist, or even joining the ranks of previous distinguished winners – like Jo Shapcott, Tony Harrison or Carol Ann Duffy – then now’s your chance.

The competition is one of the world’s biggest. Last year it attracted 21,500 poems from 110 countries. It’s now officially open and will be judged by Denise Saul, Ian Duhig and Susannah Dickey. Prizes are: 1st £5,000, 2nd £3,000, 3rd £2,000, and £500 for each Commended. There’s an entry fee of £8 for the first poem, £6 subsequent poems, per submission. Poetry Society members are entitled to a free second poem.

Entries are judged anonymously and closing date is 31st October 2025 — so you’ve just over 125 days to get from inspiration to page to post! Don’t forget to check out the Poetry Society page.

Sad news, on Monday, of the death of Frederick Forsyth aged 86, after a brief illness.

Forsyth was a former RAF pilot and investigative journalist, joining Reuters in 1961 before moving the BBC in 1965. Later he worked as freelance journalist and, he revealed in 2015, spent several years with MI6.

His first novel Day of the Jackal was published in 1971 and for which he is probably best known. In fact it’s mentioned in practically every newspaper headline announcing his passing. The novel became an international bestseller. It was made into a film in 1973 starring Edward Fox. He went on to write The Odessa File, The Dogs of War, The Fourth Protocol, The Fist of God and No Comebacks.

Today we celebrate World book Night and, hopefully, read a while!

So now to support our effort we can announce that The Road to Reading is back with the goal of dedicating more time to regular reading, even in short bursts. It can make a real difference to how we feel — help us relax, unwind, connect. spark curiosity, boost self-esteem and support mental health. So, if you really want to make a difference you can sign up to the Road to Reading – a Reading Agency initiative – where you pledge to read each week for 10 weeks and see what a difference it makes.

Last year, 73% of participants said that it helped them to feel more relaxed, and 76% said it added purpose to their week. It doesn’t just have to be physical books. It can include short stories, audiobooks, even graphic novels.

According to research, adults who read for just 30 minutes a week are: 20% more likely to report greater life satisfaction; 18% more likely to have higher self-esteem; 52% more likely to feel socially included and 37% more likely to get greater pleasure out of their social life.

If you want to ease your way in, or simple enjoy some Quick Reads, here’s the current crop:

Write It All Down, Cathy Rentzenbrink; A New Year, Leila Aboulela; The Mind Manual, Dr Alex George; A Rising Man, Abir Mukherjee; A Boy Called Saul, Fiona Cummins; The Surprise Visitor, Cathy Bramley

Buy from your local bookshop or find them at the library.