Cherry Doyle from Rugeley has been appointed to the role of Staffordshire Poet Laureate while Lola Taylor from Stone will take up the role of Young Poet Laureate for Staffordshire.
The roles aim to encourage a wider appreciation and enjoyment of poetry across the area and are managed by Staffordshire County Council’s Libraries and Communities Service. The appointments coincide with National Poetry Day on 1 October.
Since moving to Staffordshire 12 years ago, Cherry has developed a deep connection with the county's landscapes, which have become a rich source of inspiration for her poetry. Themes of landscape and place feature strongly in her pamphlet September (2019) and her collection The Taste of Rain: A Year on Cannock Chase (2023), published by Offa's Press.
Cherry said: “I am beyond grateful to Staffordshire Libraries for trusting me with the role of Staffordshire Poet Laureate, and I'm excited to further develop the profile of poetry in our wonderful county, continuing the legacy of the previous Laureates.
“Since settling in Staffordshire, I've used poetry to connect to the heritage and history of my adopted home, which has deepened my appreciation for our rich culture and beautiful landscapes.
“I'm looking forward to meeting poets and poetry fans across Staffordshire and working with Lola to showcase and celebrate our wonderful home and the talented people we have here.”
As Staffordshire Poet Laureate, Cherry will spend the next two years championing poetry across the county, inspiring new audiences, supporting the Young Poet Laureate, and celebrating Staffordshire's people, places and stories through the written and spoken word.
Lola, who is currently in Year 12 at high school is now the 11th Staffordshire Young Poet Laureate. Lola is keen to take poetry into schools and communities across Staffordshire and encourage young people to experiment with their own voices, experiences and styles.
Lola said: “Being appointed Staffordshire’s Young Poet Laureate means a great deal to me, as poetry has always been a way for me to express myself and connect with others.
“I was inspired by slam poetry, both at school and through seeing it performed in the media, and I loved how powerful and relatable it could be. I particularly enjoy writing poems with a personal message, with the hope that people can see something of themselves in the words and feel less alone.
“Over the next 12 months, I want to share my passion for poetry with others, encourage more people to have the confidence to write and perform, and show how poetry can give people a voice. I hope poetry can have the same positive impact on others that it has had on me”.
Hayley Coles, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture at Staffordshire County Council said: "We are delighted to welcome Cherry and Lola to their new roles as Poet Laureate and Young Poet Laureate for Staffordshire.
“Poetry is a wonderful art form that can have wider benefits for people including improving reading skills and an increased understanding of language and literacy.
“Both Laureates will play an important role in promoting poetry, encouraging creativity and celebrating Staffordshire's rich culture, heritage and communities over the coming year."
People can find out more about Cherry through her website www.cherrydoyle.com Facebook Cherry Doyle Poetry, Instagram @cherrydoylepoet and follow Lola’s poetry on her Instagram page at @lifethroughpoetry.lt
Cherry Doyle talks about her appointment as Staffordshire Poet Laureate in this short video.
Further details on Staffordshire Libraries and Communities service is available at www.staffordshire.gov.uk
