Path brightened up with poetry dedicated to Hampshire town

From the war memorial park to the famous abbey, Lesley, from Lordswood, in Southampton, spends most of her time in the market town.

Now, several verses from her devoted poem to it have been placed on Romsey's canal path.

Residents may have noticed the board that have been installed underneath the Fishlake Meadows road bridge, which feature poetic words about the town accompanied by drawings of wildlife and Romsey landmarks created by local schools.

"I have lived in Southampton all my life but I am in Romsey so often, a lot of people think it is my home," said Lesley.

"I have written poems since I was young and have always enjoyed doing so.

"I performed some of my poetry at The Rum's Egg Art Gallery, Bell Street, and from that I was invited to take part in a community project."

As part of the project, a survey was sent to local residents asking for their opinions to a number of questions about Romsey. Theses answers were then given to Lesley, who wrote her poem from them.

"I wrote the poem to encompass Romsey and its history," she added.

"I was so happy to be able to write it and think my passion for the town shines through.

"A dream would be to one day have one of my poems made up and set into the pavement or path in the park as there are currently other such paving slabs containing poems which have been there for years."

However, Lesley admits that many in the town may know of her dog rather than her.

She said: "I also walk my dog Brian in Romsey who is known at The Three Tuns pub. He walks in on his own, on his extendable lead, as he knows he gets given a dog biscuit in there!

"Then he just trots back out on his own and we continue our walk! He is a bit of a celebrity as everyone stops me – he is a Bedlington terrier and as looks like a grey lamb; when I tell them he is called Brian that always raises a smile."

A Journey Through Timeless Romsey, by Lesley Scott.

Romsey, timeless Romsey

How I love your sleepy grace

For your sweet repose awakens

Such great moments to embrace

Many meeting places beckon

Old and young share news and tales

Tea rooms jostle for attention

Whilst the breweries serve their ales

Market traders loudly bellow

In the square they come together

Selling flowers, fruit and vegetables

No matter what the weather

Unafraid to share warm smiles

Or a greeting on the way

A nod "Hello" where’re you go

Will brighten every day

I can hear musicians playing

On a stroll let's now embark

Through the hustle and the bustle

Make our way towards the park

The children's laughter echoes gayly

On the grass they play and run

Making happy childhood memories

Of exuberance and fun

Smell the perfume of the flowers

Watch the river wind and flow

Swans serenely on the surface

Mirrored beautifully below

Hear the ducks upon the water

Quacking hungrily for bread

Watch the River Test meander

To The Old Mill far ahead

See the quaint and quirky houses

Squashed into chaotic lines

They are pastel-coloured capsules

Of a far and distant time

There’s a treasure trove of history

To enjoy and then ingest

As ancient buildings mingle

Midst the flowers and The Test

Hear the Abbey bells a-chiming

Such sweet music fills the air

Sunshine warms the ancient brickwork

Bless another wedded pair

Children skip under the archway

Of The Sprat and Winkle Line

Where a thousand trains have travelled

Carrying history and time

Take a stroll along the old canal

And dream of days gone by

Relaxing as the water

Reflects sunshine from the sky

The Plaza Theatre encores

(Once a bustling cinema

Where for 2’6 you could watch the flicks

And dream you were the star)

Although the visit may be over

As you near your journey's end

Romsey calls you back to visit

Like a dear and trusted friend.