A NEW international poetry prize was launched this week in memory of a distinguished poet with Worcestershire roots.

Launched to coincide with World Poetry Day, the Gerard Rochford Poetry Prize 2021 invites writers to submit an original poem on the theme of Family.

Spokesman Martin Shannon said: “Although he lived the latter part of his life in Aberdeen, Gerard, who died in 2019, was very proud of his Worcestershire roots.

Several of his poems relate to his upbringing in Worcester and many of his family still live in the area.

“Gerard had childhood homes in Hanley Swan, Welland and Malvern (just not at the same time!).

“He attended St Richard’s boarding school in Little Malvern then the Royal Grammar School in Worcester.

“His love for the Malvern hills remained with him throughout his life, often travelling there from Aberdeen with his 10 children crammed in the back of a transit van for many a summer holiday!”

Gerard lived most of his life in his adopted home city Aberdeen, where he was a distinguished professor and psychotherapist. Poetry was his true vocation and he was widely published.

The overall winner – selected by Dr Wayne Price, Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing at the University of Aberdeen – will receive £150 and a large, bespoke commemorative plate, courtesy of Campbeltown Pottery, with an excerpt of Gerard Rochford’s poetry while two runners-up will each receive small commemorative plates and £50.

The closing date for entries is June 30 and winners will be announced on Sunday 1 September 2021.

Full details and entry rules for the competition are available online on the Mist and Mountain Creative Residency website and the Gerard Rochford Poetry page.