The undoubted abundant song-writing talent among us is challenged to compose an entry for a suggested “A Song for Common Ground” competition at next year’s summer school.

There will be no X Factor £million recording contract for the taking; just pride of place in the history books of our movement.

Nothing is prescribed but, in terms of guidelines ,the winner might be judged on uniqueness of tune and singability of lyrics that reflect the core values underpinning our dialogue…..a veritable " What is Common Ground?" mission statement put to music. The song might then become a great Common Ground promotion vehicle sung at folk clubs and reach out events etc

Following performance at Summer School, the winner could be the result of the combined vote of a panel of tutor judges and a listening audience at large. But that shoulnt stop tutors having a go themselves.

So budding songwriters..... get composing over the next eight months, bring your entries along to Summer School and perform them. Or get someone else to perform your song by liaising with a willing ‘Common Grounder’ in advance of the Summer School. If you are a poet and not musician why not publish some words on this forum and invite collaboration with a music composer.

Keep in touch through the forum and let everyone know what you think of this idea which can be adopted if sufficient numbers of songwriters express interest.