Reigart Poetry Partnership 2010

The launch event took place at Summerlee Museum of Industrial Life on National Poetry day. A guest poet spoke during the event along with a recital from last years winners of the NLC poetry competition from local schools. Many parents, pupils and teachers attended the launch and were inspired to take part in the new partnership programme.

The support pack was created by the Youth Arts and Literary Guild members and one Principal Teacher of English on the theme of 'Heroes and Heroines', in line with the National Poetry Day theme for 2009/10. Winners were announced at Coatbridge Library on Tuesday 26 January 2010. All proudly attended and recited their poems for a small audience of school peers and family.

The recital event was held at the new St Andrew's High School in Coatbridge. 90 poems were chosen for inclusion in the anthology and all pupils were invited along to recite their poems in the presence of school peers and family. The recital extended over three evenings with over 100 audience members each night. Along with the recitals the anthology was presented to all pupils with an insert marking their involvement in this new programme.

Kate Reilly, Reigart Company Secretary, said, "Historically Reigart had been pleased to have sponsored the Arts Guild for several years and we have thoroughly enjoyed the experience....  The continuing expansion of the scope of the festival exemplifies the popularity of poetry as a medium for communication.....  We would like to extend our thanks and sincere congratulations to all the young poets who participated." 

For further details on the competition, please visit http://www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=17318