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Poet Laureate (UK)

26 Nov 08 - 06:48 PM (#2502474)
Subject: Poet Laueate
From: Peter the Squeezer

Just been watching Newsnight on BBC2. Andrew Motion (current poet laureate) was on, with someone else, discusussing who will be his successor. Who do Catters think should follow in this role?

I'll start the list -

Sir (wot, no knighthood yet) Les Barker

Atilla the Stockbroker



Any further suggestions ???


For non-UK catters, the poet laureate is appointed by the monarch, and has to compose poetry for state occasions. Previous holders of the post have included Sir John Betjeman, and Alfred Lord Tennyson.

I await the combined knowledge of the Mudcat!

All the best

Peter


26 Nov 08 - 07:30 PM (#2502500)
Subject: RE: Poet Laureate (UK)
From: Jack Campin

Christine de Luca or Jean Binta Breeze.

(I suspect that both the Queen and Prince Charles might actually understand the languages they write in - Telegraph readers won't).


26 Nov 08 - 07:38 PM (#2502503)
Subject: RE: Poet Laureate (UK)
From: McGrath of Harlow

Well Adrian Mitchell is already "Shadow poet laureate"


27 Nov 08 - 03:02 AM (#2502656)
Subject: RE: Poet Laureate (UK)
From: Dave Hanson

Ian MacMillan, the Bard of Barnsley.

eric


27 Nov 08 - 03:48 AM (#2502668)
Subject: RE: Poet Laureate (UK)
From: Stu

Walkabouts Verse.

(sorry censor)


27 Nov 08 - 04:53 AM (#2502697)
Subject: RE: Poet Laureate (UK)
From: Paul Burke

E.J.Thrib (aged 17 3/4)


27 Nov 08 - 05:27 AM (#2502717)
Subject: RE: Poet Laureate (UK)
From: Wyrd Sister

So, farewell then, Andrew Motion...

(with apologies to above-mentioned teenager. The greatest poet since McGonagall)


27 Nov 08 - 06:34 AM (#2502761)
Subject: RE: Poet Laureate (UK)
From: Dave Hanson

EJ Thrib is lying about his age.

eric


27 Nov 08 - 07:35 AM (#2502794)
Subject: RE: Poet Laureate (UK)
From: Big Al Whittle

Seamus Heaney - if he'd want the gig.

he's from NI - so he'd qualify.

And he's obviously head and shoulders above everybody else.


theres Douglas Dunn....?

How about Wendy Cope?


27 Nov 08 - 07:54 AM (#2502807)
Subject: RE: Poet Laureate (UK)
From: Folk Form # 1

There's me
and I'm free.

See, I can write poetry and make it rhyme.


27 Nov 08 - 05:12 PM (#2503137)
Subject: RE: Poet Laureate (UK)
From: Liz the Squeak

I see someone else is a PE reader.... chuckled mightily over this week's issue I did...

LTS


27 Nov 08 - 06:46 PM (#2503178)
Subject: RE: Poet Laureate (UK)
From: Chris Green

Benjamin Zephaniah.


27 Nov 08 - 07:40 PM (#2503199)
Subject: RE: Poet Laureate (UK)
From: Micca

Roger Mc Gough, without a doubt!!!


27 Nov 08 - 08:04 PM (#2503212)
Subject: RE: Poet Laureate (UK)
From: McGrath of Harlow

It's a bit like Dr Who isn't it?


27 Nov 08 - 08:09 PM (#2503216)
Subject: RE: Poet Laureate (UK)
From: Lox

Interesting point McGrath,

My imagination compels me to ask - in what way?


27 Nov 08 - 08:31 PM (#2503225)
Subject: RE: Poet Laureate (UK)
From: McGrath of Harlow

"Who should be the next Doctor Who?"

"Nominations invited as hunt for next poet laureate begins"


28 Nov 08 - 04:38 AM (#2503357)
Subject: RE: Poet Laureate (UK)
From: Dave Hanson

Spike Milligan, even though he is still dead.

eric


28 Nov 08 - 07:19 AM (#2503429)
Subject: RE: Poet Laureate (UK)
From: GUEST

Nanny Ogg


28 Nov 08 - 08:08 AM (#2503464)
Subject: RE: Poet Laureate (UK)
From: Manitas_at_home

I think Benjamin Zephaniah was considered last time around.