President of the Manning Valley Senior Citizen Association Lucy Bokulic came up with the idea of Manning in Rhyme to honour her late friend and published poet Hans Ruiner. “Hans lived in the Manning Valley and was so enthusiastic about writing and sharing that with others. I felt that a poetry competition would provide an opportunity to honour Hans’ memory,” said Lucy.

The Manning in Rhyme, now in its third year, attracted more than 150 entries from people across the Manning last year. “The competition is gaining in popularity and we expect to attract even more entries in 2015,” said Danielle Old, Library Events Coordinator.

There are three categories for the competition including:  all ages, children (12 years and under) and youth (13-24 years). Poems will be judged on storyline, use of language and originality of theme and rhyme. The winner in each category will receive $100 cash prize and book vouchers will be given as encouragement awards.

Entry forms can be collected from Taree, Wingham, Harrington, Hallidays Point and Old Bar Libraries or can be downloaded from www.manningvalleylibraries.com.au.

Entries will close on August 21. Following judging, winners will be announced at a special presentation in September at Taree Library.

For further information about The Manning in Rhyme contact Danielle at Taree Library on 6592 5390 or email library.events@gtcc.nsw.gov.au.