A YOUNG Bromsgrove poet has triumphed at the National Memorial Arboretum’s poetry competition
James Bateman, 13, from Bromsgrove School, wrote a poem about the hornbeam tree which became a poignant symbol of hope during the Battle of the Somme, one of the defining events of the First World War.
The tree was the only one left standing in Delville Wood, Longueval, northern France after the area was flattened during two months of heavy fighting, nearly 100 years ago.
He has now won a hornbeam sapling and plaque for the school to commemorate the centenary of the Battle of the Somme.
Tom Wyre, Staffordshire’s Poet Laureate 2013-14 who was on the judging panel.
He said “It was an absolute delight to get involved as a judge in the Somme 100 poetry competition and no doubt there will be a number of very proud entrants since the standard was extremely high.”
The panel also included former Birmingham Poet Laurate and Rubery resident Giovanni ‘Spoz’ Esposito.
Sarah Montgomery, the National Arboretum’s managing director, said: “The poetry competition was one of many activities and events that we are organising to commemorate the centenary of the Battle of the Somme.
“The competition clearly captured the imagination of pupils and we were very impressed by the high quality of entries.
“We look forward to continuing to engage with children and young people on this defining event in British military history.”
The National Memorial Arboretum is running a five-month programme of events for people of all ages to commemorate the centenary of the Battle of the Somme.
For details, log on to www.thenma.org.uk/somme100
