11/12/2026 8:00 PM
This competition moves on to its second phase: the literary competition, modelled on the famous ‘Booker Prize’.
The first phase was the art competition, held in September. The second phase is for authors who are either local residents or who have been inspired by a Jersey setting for their subject matter.
In total, 27 authors have entered the competition, and their books have been judged throughout the year. There are three categories:
A prize of £250 has been offered for the winning book in each category, sponsored by BCR Law LLP.
The winners will be announced on the evening of 12 November at an awards evening being hosted at The Harbour Gallery Jersey; the awards will be presented by Jersey’s Chief Librarian, Ed Jewell.
It is sponsored by BCR Law LLP, following an initiative by RURAL magazine.
The judging panel has consisted of: BCR Law LLP Managing Partner, David Benest; former JEP editor Chris Bright and Jennifer Bridge MBE, both of whom are co-founders of the Jersey Festival of Words; chairman of the Jersey Guide Dog Association and organiser of the Big Book Sales throughout the year, Ken Syvret.
All the books that have been read and handled by the judges will be on sale for £5, with the takings benefitting the Art in the Frame Foundation. Otherwise, books by the competitors will be on sale in ‘The Jersey Bookworm & Poets Corner’, a dedicated space in The Harbour Gallery Jersey stocking fiction, non-fiction, historical, and children's books, written by local authors or which have an Island subject matter. Authors will be on hand to sign copies.
Managing Partner of BCR Law LLP and competition sponsor David Benest said:
‘At BCR Law LLP, we are committed to building a strong and vibrant community, one where creativity and collaboration are celebrated. Guided by our values of excellence, delivery, respect, and elegance, we strive to make a positive impact in everything we do, from supporting our colleagues to serving our clients and contributing to the community we call home. Sponsoring this event is a natural extension of those values, allowing us to celebrate local talent while giving back to the community that inspires us.’
Publisher and editor of RURAL magazine Alasdair Crosby said:
‘There is sometimes an impression that RURAL magazine is a local version of Farmers Weekly and is only concerned with cows, potatoes and tractors. We are most certainly much more than that; localism and Island culture are as much part of our remit as are ways of working in or enjoying the countryside. Competitions that celebrate Jersey through art and literature and encourage local authors are a very good fit for us.’
Pat Robson BEM said:
‘Art in the Frame Foundation Jersey Charity no 21 is delighted to be working with Rural Magazine and sponsor BCR Law LLP on this exciting project, in this our 25th Anniversary Year.’
