Braintree pub-goers are being asked to write a Shakespearian verse to celebrate the bard's birthday.

Barry Chainey, landlord of Fowlers Farm, on Cressing Road, came up with the idea to celebrate the playwright's birthday which is also St George's Day on April 23, in traditional English style.

He said: "We hope that guests will come up with a really original verse about the inn. To make it even more of a challenge, the verse must mention the name of the inn and to mark St George's Day, St George.

"I've come up with a verse myself which is chalked up on the blackboard at the moment but I am hoping we can replace it with a better one written by a guest."

The winning poet will win a book of Shakespeare's sonnets as well as the honour of seeing their work on the blackboards for all to see

Published Tuesday, April 15, 2003

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