2024-2025 theme: ‘The River’
As well as marking 20 years since the launch of the Elmbridge Literary Competition, 2025 also marks 50 years since the death of R C Sherriff, a local patron of the arts, playwright and screenwriter whose World War One play, ‘Journey’s End’ won wide critical acclaim.
R C Sherriff spent many cherished hours rowing on the river. As a reminder of his passion for rowing, the R C Sherriff Trust commissioned the ‘Rowing Eight’, a stunning sculpture and a familiar sight for residents and visitors to the stretch of the River Thames by Molesey Boat Club.
With 3 rivers flowing through the borough (the Wey, Mole and Thames), Elmbridge residents are never very far from the water.
Rivers have always been a source of inspiration for writers and poets, whether as tributaries meandering through life’s journey, or as the passage to the underworld.
More recently, rivers have found themselves at the heart of environmental debates.
Competition details:
The competition is open to all, with specific age categories and word counts detailed in the terms and conditions.
In addition to prizes for each age category, the competition includes The Elmbridge Prize for the best story or poem submitted by an Elmbridge resident.
- Entry Fee: £8 for adults, free for under 18s
- Closing Date: Friday 24 February 2025
For full details on age groups, how to enter and download the terms and conditions, please visit the R C Sherriff Trust’s website or email elmbridgelitcomp@outlook.com.