The Mike Haywood Poetry & Prose Competition
In 2011 I understand that there is a major shake-up of Arts in Rotherham due to savage cuts in government funding to Rotherham Council working its way down through the layers of local government activities. For 2011 the Mike Haywood Poetry & Prose Competition is in abeyance as there are questions about the future of the Rotherham Arts Organisation. It is possible that the competition may be transferred to another organisation. At the end of March 2011 I understand that it will now go ahead.
Competition 2011
For full details and Poster click here.
History
The Mike Haywood Poetry & Prose Competition has been held for a good many years in Rotherham. In the old days when I used to fancy myself as a bit of a poet I entered some of my masterpieces. As with most of my offerings they ended up well and truly burnt by indifference.
The Competition
This competition is held once every two years in memory of Mike Haywood, who was a local poet. There are sections for short stories and poems. The competition is held biannually and it is run opposite years to the One Act Play Competition.
The competition is open to anybody living, working or studying within 35 miles of Rotherham. There are two categories - poetry (maximum 40 lines) and short stories (1800 -2000 words) which must be the entrant's own unaided work and not previously published, broadcast or entered in any other competition.
Mike Haywood - A bit about the man himself
Mike Haywood was born in Bramley on the 20th February 1934. He worked at a variety of jobs and then went to university. He became a tutor with the Workers Education Authority and a supporter of the arts in Rotherham. Based on his own experiences he wrote stories, plays and poems. He died on 10th November 1973.