In response to their £10 prize incentive for verses extolling the virtues of their bread, the Hovis-Bread Flour Company has bestowed the £5 prize upon the Rev. F. Langbridge of St. John’s Rectory, Limerick. The winning composition, entitled “The Hovis Girl,” stood out among the entries, securing recognition for its praise of the esteemed bread product.
The awarding of the prize to the Rev. F. Langbridge adds a distinctive local flavour to this literary accolade. St. John’s Rectory, situated in Limerick, emerges as a noteworthy contributor to the celebration of Hovis bread. The verse crafted by the Reverend not only captures the attention of the Hovis-Bread Flour Company but also resonates with the poetic spirit that Limerick, known for its rich cultural tapestry, brings to the forefront.
The title, “The Hovis Girl,” suggests a personification of the bread itself, perhaps embodying the essence and quality that the Hovis brand aims to convey. The decision to award the prize to a clergyman adds an interesting layer, highlighting the diverse talents and interests that individuals in Limerick possess.
The verse penned by the Rev. F. Langbridge is yet to be unveiled, but its distinction in winning the £5 prize indicates a commendable fusion of literary skill and a genuine appreciation for Hovis bread. The Hovis-Bread Flour Company’s initiative to encourage creative expressions of admiration for their product has not only resulted in a financial reward for the Reverend but also underscores the interplay between commerce and culture.
Who is the girl a man should wed?
One like Hovis, honest bred.
Full of energy and tone,
With a sweetness all her own;
Never prone to disagree,
Flower of perfect purity!
She shall draw me with a curl,
Round the world, my Hovis girl!.
Limerick, often associated with its vibrant arts and literary community, now stands as the birthplace of a verse that caught the eye of a prominent bread flour company. The recognition of St. John’s Rectory in this context adds a touch of local pride to the broader narrative of a competition that sought to celebrate the simple yet essential joy of a well-loved bread.
As the details of the winning verse are not explicitly provided, the focus remains on the act of recognition itself, steering clear of definitive judgments about the literary merits. The £5 prize awarded to the Rev. F. Langbridge, however, signals the acknowledgement of a creative effort that aligns with the Hovis-Bread Flour Company’s mission to foster appreciation for their product through artistic expression.
In conclusion, the announcement of the prize for “The Hovis Girl” from the Hovis-Bread Flour Company, and its attribution to the Rev. F. Langbridge of St. John’s Rectory in Limerick, serves as a testament to the convergence of commerce and culture in this corner of Ireland. The verse, yet to be unveiled, invites anticipation and curiosity, creating a bridge between the poetic spirit of Limerick and the simple joy derived from a slice of Hovis bread.
Morning Leader – Saturday 20 October 1906
