A SALISBURY poetry group received a very special award for their work to further the bardic arts in the city.
Salisbury’s very own King Arthur Pendragon, Druid King of Britain and the Titular Head and Chosen Chief of The Loyal Arthurian Warband, issued his first royal warrant to the New SaRhyme poetry group.
The award celebrated the group’s work as Salisbury bards as they celebrate and promote poetry throughout the city.
Arthur said: “The group has, in my opinion, proved their worth in promoting the bardic arts here in Salisbury, and deserve the distinction of being the first group to be honoured in such a manner.
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“They are the first, and it is thought not to be the last, of what in all probability, may be a long line of organisations and volunteers to be honoured.”
The award was handed to the group at their poetry evening at the Pheasant Inn in May, and Arthur treated attendees to some of the poetic rituals he performs at celebrations such as the Summer Solstice at Stonehenge – which is taking place next Saturday (June 21).
A New SaRhyme spokesperson said: “Arthur said he enjoyed the work of the other poets, and made particular mention of Edwin Hopper’s Stonehenge poem, ‘Stonehenge BC. Before Covid’, written under the pen name Colwell Hopper, which features Arthur himself in an uplifting account of Salisbury folk, and others, making their way to, and celebrating at, the Stones on one Summer Solstice not too long ago.”
New SaRyhme takes place on the fourth Wednesday of the month at Pheasant Inn. As the Pheasant is currently closed for refurbishment, the next two meetings will take place in the front room in the upstairs at the Wyndham Arms.
The group came about after Salisbury Poetika meetings became less frequent due to organisers’ other commitments.
Well done , Arthur is obviously the only political figure in Salisbury who genuinely wants to serve the community