The search has started for the Bard of Hawkwood 2017 - the annual spoken word competition
The annual spoken word competition will take place at the Hawkwood College Open Day, Monday May 1, 2017. Co-ordinator Kevan Manwaring explained the rules of entry: ‘We’re looking for an original song, story or poem of 10 minutes or less, on the given theme (Contentment); plus a 200 word statement of intent describing what you would do as your time as the Chaired Bard for the coming year. As it’s a bardic competition, pieces performed from memory or in an extempore fashion are preferred.’
The 2016 winner was Nailsworth-based poet, Anthony Hentschel. He has set the theme for the 2017 contest: CONTENTMENT. The next winner will get to sit in the Bardic Chair of Hawkwood – an original Eisteddfod chair, dating from 1882, kindly loaned by Frampton-based solicitor Richard Maisey, in whose family it has been for generations. The deadline for entries is the 23rd April, 2017. 3 copies of the entry & the statement to be sent to: K. Manwaring, The Annexe, Richmond House, Park Rd, Stroud, GL5 2JG. Entrants must be able to perform their entry at the Hawkwood College Open Day, Monday, May 1, and be a resident of GL5/6/8/or GL10. The competition is open to anyone 18 years old or older living in the Stroud area.
Kevan says: ‘The Bard of Hawkwood becomes the ambassador for the Bardic Chair, Hawkwood College, and their area. Having been a winner myself (in Bath) I know how empowering it can be – not only for the individual recipient, but also for their respective community. It is about celebrating local distinctiveness, fostering civic pride, and loving where you live.’
