Lily Massey, aged 15 from Baddeley Green has been chosen as the new young poet laureate for Staffordshire.
Lily performed her poems ‘The Power of Words’ and ‘Another Way’ at a special poetry event at Church Lane Evangelical Church, in Stafford on Saturday 8 September.
The initiative is run by Staffordshire County Council’s libraries service to promote a love of poetry and showcase the creative writing skills of teenagers across the area.
Lily, a pupil at Endon High School, said: When they told me I was going to be the new Young Poet Laureate, I couldn’t believe it. It’s such an amazing opportunity and I’m so grateful that I can take it and enjoy it.
“During my year, I really want to prove that any creativity ought to be expressed, and I want to make people feel comfortable with what they do and create – maybe even bring out some new writers.
“Poetry is such an expressive and special art form and over my time as poet laureate I’d love to spread its beauty to a span of ages and personality types. From traditional forms, workshops and competitions to SLAM, flash mobs and personal exploration, I feel I’m going to bring new ideas to this role, and make it the best it can be not only for myself but also for everyone in Staffordshire.”
Gill Heath, Cabinet Member responsible for libraries at Staffordshire County Council, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Lily to her new role. Lily is our sixth young poet laureate which is really helping spread an appreciation of poetry across the county.
“I know the judges had a difficult decision as the competition was so tough but I’m sure Lily will do a wonderful job.
“I’d also like to thank outgoing post holder Rebecca Lockwood who’s off to University at the end of September. Rebecca has done us proud too over the last year and I offer her our best wishes for the future.”
The judges, including current Staffordshire Poet Laurate Emily Galvin and outgoing Young Poet Laureate, Rebecca Lockwood said they were impressed with Lily’s poems and “ability to engage the audience when delivering her poetry.”
Lily will take up the role at a special celebration event on National Poetry Day on 4 October 2018.
Young Poet Laureate Hall of Fame
2017 – 18: Rebecca Lockwood who’s off to University at the end of September 2018
2016-17: Isobel Horsley the current Young Poet Laureate is 16 and attends King Edwards School in Lichfield. Her role is helping to promote an enjoyment of poetry in younger people across Staffordshire.
2015-16: Matilda Houston-Brown first started the role in 2015 aged just 14 years old and currently resides in Stoke on Trent. You can go over to Matilda’s website for more updates.
2014-15: Harry Shenton was appointed as Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Young Poet Laureate in 2014. You can read about his appointment here.
2013-14: Natalie Cotterill was appointed as the first joint Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Young Poet Laureate in 2013, and at the time studied at King Edward VI High School in Lichfield.
More information about the scheme, and also a wonderful collection of Staffordshire poetry visit the official Staffordshire Poet Laureate website here
