RHS and Chiltern Rail launch poetry competition

CHILTERN Railways and the Royal Shakespeare Company have launched a free competition offering aspiring writers aged between 7 and 12 years, the chance to be the Chiltern Railways and RSC?s Young Bard, 2008.
Chiltern, who run direct services to Stratford upon Avon from London, are running the competition not only to promote Stratford upon Avon but also to promote literacy and creativity amongst their young passengers.

The competition invites children to write a poem about travel and holidays in no more than 300 words by October 3rd 2008. To enter, you just need to e-mail youngbard@chilternrailways.co.uk. The winner will receive a backstage tour at the RSC in Stratford-upon-Avon and a copy of the Complete Works of Shakespeare. Prizes will also be given to runners up and all will be published in Chiltern?s passenger newsletter.

The entries will be judged by Lyn Darnley, Head of Text, Voice and Artist Development at the RSC. Lyn has worked at the RSC since 1992 and prior to joining the Company was employed in a drama school. She works with the actors on voice, text and language and is closely involved with the RSC Education Department working with teachers and students.

Lyn Darnley, Head of Text, Voice and Artist Development at the RSC said: ?The RSC passionately believes that as many people as possible should have the opportunity to experience Shakespeare?s works. Shakespeare told great stories, but what really sets him apart is the way he uses language. I am really looking forward to reading the poems the young people are going to write.?

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to find out more information about the competition or to find out more information about visiting and buying your train ticket to Stratford upon Avon.