Andover resident writes poem for charity poetry book

In February, charity Embracing Age launched a poetry competition on the theme of hope in ageing. Embracing Age is a Christian charity founded in 2014.

More than 200 entries were received from people over 50, with the oldest entrant being 101 years old. Pam Rhodes, Dave Bilbrough and Amanda Root were asked to choose the winners.

Jenny Betteridge, from Andover, wrote one of the shortlisted poems. Jenny first became interested in creative writing 10 years ago and joined two local writing groups, Andover Writers’ Workshop and Andover U3A Creative Writing group.

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She later went on to do a two-year Writers’ Bureau fiction writing course and her main interest is writing short stories and poetry.

Jenny said: “I was inspired to enter the Embracing Age competition because I felt that as we age, we have to face challenges such as health problems and loneliness, and the charity’s aim of working towards a world where older people are valued, connected and full of hope, is excellent.

“The collection of poems published in the Hope in Ageing Poetry Collection by those shortlisted will hopefully bring hope and positivity to people in their later years.”

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Poets wrote of having more time and opportunities as they get older: time to be with family and friends, for leisure activities, to learn new things, to reflect, to give back and to impart wisdom. Others wrote of ageing bringing new perspectives and a desire to live life to the full. 

Pam Rhodes featured the winning poems on her “Hearts and Hymns” programme on Premier Christian Radio on Sunday, October 1, to celebrate Older People’s Day.

Embracing Age has published a collection of 58 shortlisted poems.

Pam said: “[It is] a sublime tapestry of insights, feelings and experiences through which hope is solidly threaded, weaving together life, limb, laughter and love.”

A copy of Hope in Ageing can be bought from the Embracing Age website, or from Amazon. The code HOPE20 can be used on the Embracing Age website for a 20 per cent discount. More information can be found at embracingage.org.uk/poetry or by calling 0203 778 0035.