Rita Ray has been awarded the 2010 Cheshire Prize for Literature for her poem 'Still life with oranges and walnuts (Luis Melendez)'

Rita receiving her award from Mrs Diana Barbour, High Sheriff of Cheshire, with Simon Armitage.

Photographs by permission of the University of Chester

SixPoets readings become April Poets

Because SixPoets' numbers are now rather depleted and we therefore find it difficult to host the twice-yearly readings, we have two new steering committee members – Mike Barlow and Ron Scowcroft. Because of this and other changes, the readings have a new name – April Poets – and we have already had one very successful reading at the Storey Auditorium, Lancaster on 14 th April. See the photographs below.

April Poets

Ian Seed	Rita Ray	Jim Turner
Rebecca Bilkau		Ron Scrowcroft

"Good news that the much-missed SixPoets Readings have now returned under (some) new management and a new name - April Poets.

The first of these readings was on 14 th April at the Storey Auditorium. It was an excellent night – another example of how lively, vital and creative the Lancaster poetry scene is at present. The Open Mic session offered an interesting range of work and this was followed by some of our most talented poets. Jim Turner, Rebecca Bilkau, Ron Scowcroft , Ian Seed and Jane Routh were an inspired line-up. Ian and Jane had new books to launch. The poets were very different in subject, style and personality and the audience responded with a particular quality of listening. Kim and Liz provided music with keyboard and trumpet. Rita Ray was very much at ease and in charge as compere. And there were sweets on the tables too.

Congratulations to April Poets on a most enjoyable evening. "