A young poet from Stone has been chosen to represent young voices across the county after being named Staffordshire’s new Young Poet Laureate.
Lola Taylor, who is currently in Year 12, becomes the 11th person to take on the role, which is managed by Staffordshire County Council’s Libraries and Communities Service.
Her appointment was announced on Thursday 1 October, coinciding with National Poetry Day.
Over the next 12 months, Lola hopes to take poetry into schools and communities across Staffordshire, encouraging more young people to experiment with writing and performing in their own voices 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.”
She said she wants to use her year in the role to help others gain the confidence to write and perform.
“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.”
Lola will work alongside Rugeley poet Cherry Doyle, who has been appointed Staffordshire Poet Laureate for the next two years. Staffordshire County Council
Cherry’s own poetry has drawn on Staffordshire’s landscape and history since she moved to the county 12 years ago. Her published work includes the pamphlet September and the collection The Taste of Rain: A Year on Cannock Chase.
As Staffordshire Poet Laureate, she will promote poetry across the county, support Lola in the Young Poet Laureate role and create work celebrating Staffordshire’s people and places.
Lola’s poetry can be followed on Instagram at @lifethroughpoetry.lt.
