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Hereford Cathedral School welcomed the Poet Laureate, Carol Ann Duffy, to the school today (June 28), for the whole Hereford community to hear a lecture and series of readings from the UK’s leading poet.
Organised by ‘Spectrum,’ a student led Cathedral School group, founded by Xander Drury, the famous poet enthralled the 200 strong audience during her presentation, discussing her works, inspirations and passion for poetry.
The lecture also included readings by Carol Ann Duffy of unpublished work, including a world exclusive reading of her new poem about England in the World Cup 2010.
Carol Ann Duffy was made Poet Laureate in 2009, the first woman to hold the position, and she has produced a considerable number of poems drawing on the events of the past year – from reflections on the war in Afghanistan, and a meditation on the tragedy of David Beckham’s ankle injury to today’s England Football World Cup reading.
The exciting community event hosted by the Cathedral School, was a truly memorable occasion and one which everyone in attendance thoroughly enjoyed.
Xander Drury, Hereford Cathedral School Sixth Form Student and Facilitator of Hereford Cathedral School Spectrum said:
“My thanks to Carol Ann Duffy for coming today and leading such a thought provoking lecture. To hear the UK’s leading poet in Hereford was a real privilege and fantastic experience for everyone involved.”
“‘Spectrum’ was founded to generate a forum that affords the opportunity for pupils and members of the community to hear and engage with leading speakers, with a view to exploring a range of topics that have an influence on today’s society. As was the case with our Michael Portillo lecture in January, Carol Ann Duffy didn’t disappoint and offered a great insight into our changing world.”
James Petrie, Hereford Cathedral School’s Head of English said:
“It was fantastic to see the vast crowd enjoying and engaging with such an iconic poet, she (Carol Ann Duffy) is known for her work in schools, with her poems regularly featuring on the GCSE syllabus, including, until recently, the controversial ‘Education for Leisure.’”
Paul Smith, Hereford Cathedral School’s Headmaster said:
“What a brilliant occasion for Hereford and the Cathedral School! Well done to ‘Spectrum’ and Xander on organising the lecture and bringing together the local community. It was great to see local schools, and guests attending our events. I am sure everyone learnt a lot from Carol Ann Duffy, and I look forward to the next ‘Spectrum’ lecture.”
Carol Ann Duffy: Remarked on how she was challenged by the Cathedral School audience. She thanked the audience for listening and stressed the importance of investing time in young people and keeping them involved.
The world exclusive reading of the poem, in regard to England in the World Cup, read at Hereford Cathedral School today (June 28) will be published for the first time in the Daily Mirror tomorrow (June 29).
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