Organised by Rochford's Literary Executors in collaboration with the creative platform Mist and Mountain, the Prize invites writers to submit an original poem on the theme of 'Journey'.

The winner will receive £200 and a specially commissioned ceramic bowl featuring an excerpt of Gerard Rochford’s poetry, while two runners up will each receive small ceramic bowls and £50. The bowls have been handmade by Gerard’s daughter, ceramicist and painter, Lucy Carolan.

Award-winning poet, novelist, traditional storyteller and singer, Sheena Blackhall, who was a friend of Gerard, will judge the competition finalists.

Brought up in Worcestershire, Gerard Rochford (1932 – 2019) lived most of his life in his adopted home city of Aberdeen, where he was a distinguished professor and psychotherapist. Poetry was a true vocation, and he was widely published in newspapers, influential online magazines, chapbooks and poetry collections. At the heart of Aberdeen’s vibrant poetry scene, Gerard was highly respected, not only for the quality of his own work, but for his generosity of spirit, mentoring and championing the work of nascent poets.

Find out more on the Mist and Mountain website and the Gerard Rochford Poetry page on Facebook. 

Deadline: 30 June 2026