Wisbech NHS clinical psychiatrist Kim is crowned 2021 Fenland Poet Laureate

A Wisbech NHS clinical psychiatrist has been named 2021 Fenland Poet Laureate.

Kim Allen was crowned when the awards took place in March Town Hall.

Local MP Steve Barclay provided opening and closing remarks at the event, emphasizing the importance of poetry in the community.

As a means of expression, poetry can have a powerful impact, Steve said, citing the work of World War One poet Wilfred Owen as an example of how the form can resonate so deeply.

After Mr Barclay had provided opening remarks, host Elisabeth Sennitt Clough introduced John Lyons, the adjudicator.

Originally from Trinidad, John now lives in the Fens. The children’s prizes were presented first, with John awarding first place to Layla Gull, second place to Sarah Clough and third place to Jasmin Carter.

Before being sent to John, all entries were number-coded for anonymity.

In the adults’ competition, first place went to Kim Allen, second place to Hilary Parry and third place to Anne Clements, with Kim named overall winner.

After the interval, nine poets read their work from the Fenland Poetry Journal, a poetry and arts magazine edited by Elisabeth Sennitt Clough.

Also in attendance was deputy March mayor Ray Jack, and Tim Chapman, a teacher at Wisbech Grammar School, from where the children’s winning entries came.

Next year’s Fenland Poet Laureate Competition will open for entries in the New Year – keep an eye out on their website for further information or email: fenlandpoetlaureateaward@gmail.com