Spectator competition winners: a 21st-century elegy on a country churchyard

The latest competition marked the tercentenary of Thomas Gray’s birth with an invitation to submit an ‘Elegy on a Country Churchyard’ written in the metre of his famous and enduringly popular poem. General Wolfe was a such a fan of Gray’s meditation on death and remembrance that in 1759, on the eve of the attack on Quebec, he is said to have read the poem to his officers, declaring, ‘I would rather have been the author of that piece than beat the French tomorrow.’ It obviously struck a chord with you too, and there were stellar performances all round. Congratulations and commiserations to the following, who fell victim to a lack of space but are worthy runners-up: John Beaton, John Priestland, Katie Mallett, George Simmers, T.J. Rowland, Matt Quinn, Shirley Bunyan, G.M. Southgate and D.A. Prince. Those printed below take £25. The bonus fiver is Chris O’Carroll’s.

Chris O’Carroll Time was these mossy stones drew reverent       throngs As Sundays called the village to this place, But years have hushed our common prayers and       songs.