Following a successful competition to find a Sleaford Poet Laureate, the Town Council are delighted to announce the appointment of Julie Street in this new, voluntary position.

Julie is a regular writer who lives locally. Approximately five years ago, she joined Sleaford Ivy Writers Group where she began to take her poetical efforts more seriously. Julie has performed her poetry at the Sleaford Live Festival, The Ivy Folk Festival and the Sleaford Slam. A Riverlight poem written by Julie was also displayed for the public to read.

Further afield, Julie has read at Open Mics at Leadenham Folk Festival, Stamford and Grantham, enjoying every experience.

Julie plays badminton each week with the U3A group and attends a monthly Philosophy group. She also attends a small poetry group in Cranwell and the Lincoln Creative Writers group.

Julie's aim as Sleaford Poet Laureate would be to encourage everyone, of any age, to get writing and have fun doing it, opening doors, increasing self awareness and creatively thinking. She would also like to raise awareness and give poetry a permanent spot in town, beneficial for every age and anyone.

Julie has expressed that in every sense, she feels confident and ready to fill this exciting role as Sleaford's first Poet Laureate.

"I was utterly chuffed, delighted and excited to receive news of winning the competition to become Sleaford's first Poet Laureate" said Julie. "It is an absolute honour to be given this wonderful opportunity to promote poetry within our area. Hopefully, I can encourage those less confident to have fun with words and others to stand up and share their work. I'm keen to see where this role takes local poets and plant Sleaford into literary pastures new. My pen is already jiggling with enthusiasm!"

Julie's first event as the Poet Laureate was at the 2024 Sleaford 1940s Day event.

"Switching On"

It's not just when the stars all twinkle
That places sprinkles of jolly smiles
On faces of those shopping, in this
Holly festooned town; shop windows, hung
With tinsle, wreaths, and red helium balloons.

Now look around at what we have..

See the joys of children, wiggle; hopefully
Hands tucked inside their pockets, giggle
At the fluffy beard of Santa Clause.

Pause for thought, in prayer for loved ones
Gone, and lift your heart in carol-song, or
Warm mulled wine - cupped in ungloved hands.

See the Angels Squad before us dance,
And from the high-up stage - hear
Voices raise - united Military Wives;
The Cranwell Choir, sing.

Watch Kesteven Morris Dancers skip and spin.
Listen to Victorian Singers carolling
While chestnuts roast on open fires
And snorting carriage-horses cart for free,
Shoppers eager to see these merry sights.

Hark! The rousing tunes played loud - with
Light, bouncing off bright silver instruments -
Polished sounds for crowds
From members of the Concert Band.

And browsing one hundred stalls, with distant
Sounds of jingle bells - these must be signs:
To tell of festive trade, and Christmas-time;
To wade amongst the entertainment
Laid on for merriment of Sleaford Town.

And as December darkness falls, behold!
The lighted tree, so sparkling-bright, and
There, electric stars that dazzle high, split night
With festive shapes above the Riverside,
And nearby streets.

See us shake hands and greet with smiles
As some intend, to mingle with like-minded
Souls in poignant Christingle service.

Let's ALL indulge in cheerfulness and joyous fun.
I wish you this, a "Happy Christmas" everyone!

(C)JRStreet.Nov.2024.