Willoughby Sharp

Just heard the sad news that the legendary Willoughby Sharp died on December 17 2008 aged 72.
Meetings with Willoughby were unforgettable.
There has been this wave of deaths the past month, Harold Pinter, Adrian Mitchell, Mick Imlah, the poet Snodgrass, John Mortimer, and more...
I can barely catch my breath as the images spin in my mind of their faces and memories I have.

Adieu

Andrew Wyeth died today.

Snowdrops and raindrops

There has been massive amounts of rainwater falling here in Tarset and now the snowdrop shoots are poking out! A bit early for here I think but by Feb they are usually in bloom.
It is always grand to see signs of spring!
So John Agard Live! the DVD is finished and sent off and now I am preparing to start editing Life is IMMENSE a visit to Samuel Menashe.
The London trip was inspiring in many ways. I get to catch up on all levels; with my friend Paul, culture in its many forms, friends, the place itself and good Indian food!
Thank you Paul for being the most host.

Congratulations Jen Hadfield!

Jen Hadfield has just won the TS Eliot award for best collection of 2008! Congratulations! Jen did a magnificent upbeat reading at the Purcell Room to a huge audience on the Southbank. The prize was then announced at the oak-paneled Skinners Hall in the City, complete with chandeliers, galleries, rotunda and paintings, the following night. Valerie Eliot dressed in carmine handed over the check and it was a night to remember!
On the previous evening all ten poets had read from their books excepting Mark Doty who could not come so Nick Laird read in his place and Mick Imlah who was too ill to. Sadly Mick died the next day. Andrew Motion gave a very moving and inspired speech. They were long friends and Mick will be missed in the poetry world.
Moniza Alvi did a stunning reading from Europa and Maura Dooley also. I was very proud and happy to have been there. Saw some delightful friends and enjoyed meeting new ones.
Once a year it is quite an occasion and it is probably the most important poetry prize in the UK.
So Jen to you the youngest poet to win and may you keep up the great work!