Bromsgrove Bard scoops prestigious poetry prize

Buy photos » Maggie Doyle has been named the Worcestershire Poet Laureate of the Year. Picture by Geoff Robinson of www.2020zoom.com.

A BROMSGROVE bard has been crowned Worcestershire's second Poet Laureate.

Maggie Doyle fought off challenges from the 11 other finalists after her poems 'Diamond' and 'Duty Calls' wowed the judges and audience. Diamond was a moving tribute to her grandmother and Duty Calls was a funny and touching tribute to The Queen, who celebrated her Diamond Jubilee this year.

Maggie said: “As the first female Poet Laureate of Worcestershire, I am so looking forward to the next 12 months.

"Worcestershire has developed a diverse literary and musical culture over the last few years and I am delighted to be part of that energy.

"Words are for everyone, age is no barrier, so I will be gently encouraging new voices, and persuading people to experience first-hand what Worcestershire and the Worcestershire Literary Festival have to offer, and coming to a venue near you."

The director of Worcestershire Literary Festival, Lisa Ventura, said the judges were really impressed with her confidence, delivery and engagement with the audience.

“Maggie made us all laugh with her comedic and light-hearted approach to her poem 'Duty Calls', and her poetic tribute to her grandmother 'Diamond' was very moving – the audience laughed and cried while listening to her poems.

"She will be a fantastic asset to Worcestershire and a real ambassador for the county as the second Poet Laureate, and the first female one too," she added.

Maggie will be making guest appearances at various events throughout the year in her new role and will be working with

Rowan Standish-Haynes, Worcestershire’s Young Poet Laureate from Malvern. She will also be commissioned to write several poems for key events in the county.

In the Poet Laureate competition, Suz Winspear from Worcester came second in the contest and Brenda Reid-Brown came third.

The judging panel included Theo Theobald, Worcestershire’s first ever Poet Laureate, Rowan Standish-Hayes, Worcestershire’s second Young Poet Laureate, Stephen Wilson, the County Arts Officer, and Literary Festival director Lisa.

Entrants had to submit one poem called 'Diamond' and another of their own choice.

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