The Hastings & St Leonards Priory Cricket Club has launched a writing competition with the aim of breaking down the barriers between literacy and sport. The website asks entrants to “excite us with your amazing writing”.

Entries can be poems (of at least 120 words) or articles/stories (of at least 350 words), or even a match report – but they must all be related to cricket. The club is mad about cricket and hopes to encourage others to share their enthusiasm in words. 

Frankie with Mr Peek

Local father and poet, Tony Peek (professionally known as Mr Peek) has joined forces with the club to support their Cricket Writing Competition. “Getting children to write creatively is the way forward,” he says. Talking about how it comes in many forms, he says: “There’s no wrong or right way about poetry; that’s the beauty of it. Just get writing.” And not only that, you can “keep poetry to yourself or you can share it”. 

One young club cricketer and Mr Peek fan took him at his word. Frankie found an opportunity to knock on his door and not only got him to autograph two of his books (received as Christmas presents) but also chatted with him about which poems were her favourites – a memorable experience for a budding poet and cricketer.

Volunteer Nicole Barrett says: “Seeing local organisations, businesses and individuals rally to support our literacy efforts is truly inspirational. Taking part in any sport and writing poetry is not something children need to choose between.”

She says that sport offers many current and future career opportunities for girls and boys alike with more opportunities for all than ever before: “This is the time to get writing, get involved with cricket and enter our competition.” The closing date is 31st March.

A final word from Mr Peek:

Why not write a poem that
Can make somebody smile?
Or one that makes them think a bit
For just a little while?
Or why not write a story
From whatever’s in your head?
Or write a silly word or two
About something that you’ve read.

Where do you want to go today?
What do you want to do?
That was it from me this time, 
The rest is up to you.

For more information about the competition visit www.hastingspriory.com/writing-competition

Or more information about Mr Peek on mrpeekspoetryplace.co.uk


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