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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.