I am a poet, my first collection is 'Intermittent beings' from Cinnamon press (2013) and 'Father lost lost' from that collection was a highly commended poem in the Forward anthology 2015. I was also a winner of Templar prize 2010 (pamphlet 'The Stammering Man'), highly commended in the National Poetry Competition 2011 and winner of the Ware Poetry Competition 2014. I am a member of Magma editorial Board, experienced editor, workshop leader, event co-ordinator, open mic compere, slam judge (and slam winner!). I have led workshops for diverse groups, including charities, schools, and support groups working in the arts. I am particularly interested in opportunities in schools or as a poet-in-residence (and of course opportunities to read poems!). Each year I lead a team of volunteers delivering a 'poetry takeover' of a public library space for National Poetry Day. Background in finance and philosophy, former tutor for Oxford University Department of Continuing Education.

Our Lady of the Pylons

When she is re-designed, will we

still know she stands for us – that repeated shape potato-printed, lino-cut, repeated

through the hills? She gives herself away and away,

the aching weight of power hung from each shoulder: her prayers hung

to each light switch. Grey paint elides her figure to a burr

of cloud. She is waiting for the birds to trust her. Lip-level with the birds,

their pointed banter all the company she gets. Her Shadow

laid on corn, on tar, on earth, is levering the sun around the earth,

to explain the hollow landscape, and her faint construction-lines

are the gateways to a sky. Hum for us Our Lady of the Pylons, hum for us or hum