This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-20799970
The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Previous version
1
Next version
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Poet John Agard is selected for Queen's poetry medal | |
(35 minutes later) | |
Guyana-born poet John Agard has been named as the recipient of The Queen's Gold Medal for Poetry for 2012. | Guyana-born poet John Agard has been named as the recipient of The Queen's Gold Medal for Poetry for 2012. |
The award is presented for excellence in poetry, with previous recipients including WH Auden, John Betjeman and Philip Larkin. | The award is presented for excellence in poetry, with previous recipients including WH Auden, John Betjeman and Philip Larkin. |
Agard, who writes for both adults and children, moved to the UK from Guyana in 1977. | Agard, who writes for both adults and children, moved to the UK from Guyana in 1977. |
He said he was "touched" to be the winner of an award which had been won by such illustrious names in the past. | He said he was "touched" to be the winner of an award which had been won by such illustrious names in the past. |
He has been recognised for his most recent work Alternative Anthem: Selected Poems, as well as his book of children's poems, Goldilocks on CCTV. | He has been recognised for his most recent work Alternative Anthem: Selected Poems, as well as his book of children's poems, Goldilocks on CCTV. |
'Humour and generosity' | 'Humour and generosity' |
"When told the news out of the blue by the poet laureate, Carol Ann Duffy, I couldn't believe my ears and it took a little time to sink in," he said. | "When told the news out of the blue by the poet laureate, Carol Ann Duffy, I couldn't believe my ears and it took a little time to sink in," he said. |
"I am delighted, as well as touched, to be in the company of such names as Charles Causley, Norman MacCaig, Gillian Clark, Stevie Smith, Derek Walcott." | "I am delighted, as well as touched, to be in the company of such names as Charles Causley, Norman MacCaig, Gillian Clark, Stevie Smith, Derek Walcott." |
The Medal was first presented in 1933 by King George V. Recommendations are put forward by the poet laureate and chosen by a committee. | The Medal was first presented in 1933 by King George V. Recommendations are put forward by the poet laureate and chosen by a committee. |
Duffy said: "John Agard has always made people sit up and listen. He has done this with intelligence, humour and generosity. | Duffy said: "John Agard has always made people sit up and listen. He has done this with intelligence, humour and generosity. |
"He has the ability to temper anger with wit, and difficult truths with kindness." | "He has the ability to temper anger with wit, and difficult truths with kindness." |
She added: "In performance he is electrifying - compelling, funny, moving and thought-provoking. His work in education over the years has changed the way that readers, writers and teachers think about poetry," | She added: "In performance he is electrifying - compelling, funny, moving and thought-provoking. His work in education over the years has changed the way that readers, writers and teachers think about poetry," |
Agard was born in Georgetown, Guyana, moving to the UK in the '70s where he worked in London as a touring speaker for the Commonwealth Institute, and for the National Maritime Museum. He now lives in Lewes, East Sussex. | Agard was born in Georgetown, Guyana, moving to the UK in the '70s where he worked in London as a touring speaker for the Commonwealth Institute, and for the National Maritime Museum. He now lives in Lewes, East Sussex. |
Previous version
1
Next version