[John Whitworth]

Jim Hayes and Martin Elster got honourable mentions in the Speccie Apologies Competition. Good for them. This week's Speccie isn't for verse but there is a splendid Competition inThe Oldie

Competition No 110

A bear market has been notable in the financial world. A poem, please, called 'The Year of the Bear' not necessarily in the Stock Market sense, in which all the rhymes rhyme with bears. You can email your (winning I hope) effort to comps@theoldie.co.uk. Closing date 10th April.

Two more thing I should add. There are four £25 winners and the winner of winners gets a Taylor's of Harrogate tea and cake set (!!!), and £25 natch. Oh, and, though they don't say so, I wouldn't send in more than sixteen lines.