'Now it's a big, serious, well-known competition. We hope it will go from strength to strength and find an annual place among the competitions that already draw such numbers - Bridport, Poetry Society and the Petra Kenney. Here's to the future.'
UA Fanthorpe & RV Bailey, 2006

'Competitions like these are vital for the future of poetry because they encourage everyone to have a go.'
Ian McMillan, 2007

'I can't think of a better way to remember a poet than to hold a celebration. Virginia Warbey's name, and curiosity to know about her and her writing, grows with every year that this competition flourishes.'
Gillian Clarke, 2008

'Poetry can often seem like rather a complicated way of being ignored, and that's why competitions like the Virginia Warbey are so important - in the way that they publicly value, reward and encourage the writing of poems. I'm delighted to have been associated with it.'
CJ Allen, 2009