SHE may not live in the Hampshire town, but Lesley Scott just loves Romsey.
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.
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