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01/05/2009
Carol Ann Duffy Named First Female Poet Laureate
Carol Ann Duffy (pictured) has been named the first woman to be appointed as the new Poet Laureate.
The 53-year-old, who takes over from Andrew Morton - who had been in the role since 1999 - is the first female to take the role in it's 341-year history.
An acclaimed poet and playwright, Duffy is the author of numerous award-winning poetry collections, plays, and fairy tales and poetry for children. Awarded an OBE in 1995 and a CBE in 2002 for services to Poetry, she lives in Manchester where she is Creative Director of the Writing School at Manchester Metropolitan University.
Duffy, who had been widely expected to take over the role, confirmed she had taken the role during an interview on BBC Radio 4.
Duffy said: "I'm really thrilled to have it properly announced on Woman's Hour and here in Manchester."
Duffy told the programme she had thought "long and hard" before saying she would take the job. I look on it as a recognition of the great woman poets we have writing now," she said. "I've decided to accept it for that reason."
She added: "Poetry is all around us, all of the time, whether in song or in speech or on the page, and we turn to it when events, personal or public, matter most.
"In accepting this Laureateship, I hope to contribute to people's understanding of what poetry can do and where it can be found."
Culture Secretary Andy Burnham also commented on the appointment, saying: "Carol Ann Duffy is a towering figure in English literature today and a superb poet. I am delighted that she has accepted the Laureateship.
“She will be a very worthy successor to Andrew Motion whose approach to the role has done so much to revive public interest in the post. His achievement has been outstanding and I pay tribute to his exceptional public service during his period as Laureate.
"He is succeeded today by someone who, in my view, has achieved something that only the true greats of literature manage - that is to be regarded as both popular and profound. It's a measure of her reach and impact on our national life that her poems can be the subject of serious academic study and, at the same time, be just as at home when families gather for the landmark events of their lives."
It is expected that Carol Ann Duffy will meet The Queen for an Audience at Buckingham Palace in the coming months.
The honorary Royal post of Poet Laureate is awarded to a poet whose work is of national significance. The laureateship came into existence in 1668 when King Charles II gave John Dryden the official title. Past Laureates have included Dryden, Wordsworth, Tennyson, Betjeman and Hughes.
The role has changed over time - originally the office involved writing court odes to mark occasions such as the Sovereign's birthday, but today the position is purely honorary.
(JM/BMcC)
The 53-year-old, who takes over from Andrew Morton - who had been in the role since 1999 - is the first female to take the role in it's 341-year history.
An acclaimed poet and playwright, Duffy is the author of numerous award-winning poetry collections, plays, and fairy tales and poetry for children. Awarded an OBE in 1995 and a CBE in 2002 for services to Poetry, she lives in Manchester where she is Creative Director of the Writing School at Manchester Metropolitan University.
Duffy, who had been widely expected to take over the role, confirmed she had taken the role during an interview on BBC Radio 4.
Duffy said: "I'm really thrilled to have it properly announced on Woman's Hour and here in Manchester."
Duffy told the programme she had thought "long and hard" before saying she would take the job. I look on it as a recognition of the great woman poets we have writing now," she said. "I've decided to accept it for that reason."
She added: "Poetry is all around us, all of the time, whether in song or in speech or on the page, and we turn to it when events, personal or public, matter most.
"In accepting this Laureateship, I hope to contribute to people's understanding of what poetry can do and where it can be found."
Culture Secretary Andy Burnham also commented on the appointment, saying: "Carol Ann Duffy is a towering figure in English literature today and a superb poet. I am delighted that she has accepted the Laureateship.
“She will be a very worthy successor to Andrew Motion whose approach to the role has done so much to revive public interest in the post. His achievement has been outstanding and I pay tribute to his exceptional public service during his period as Laureate.
"He is succeeded today by someone who, in my view, has achieved something that only the true greats of literature manage - that is to be regarded as both popular and profound. It's a measure of her reach and impact on our national life that her poems can be the subject of serious academic study and, at the same time, be just as at home when families gather for the landmark events of their lives."
It is expected that Carol Ann Duffy will meet The Queen for an Audience at Buckingham Palace in the coming months.
The honorary Royal post of Poet Laureate is awarded to a poet whose work is of national significance. The laureateship came into existence in 1668 when King Charles II gave John Dryden the official title. Past Laureates have included Dryden, Wordsworth, Tennyson, Betjeman and Hughes.
The role has changed over time - originally the office involved writing court odes to mark occasions such as the Sovereign's birthday, but today the position is purely honorary.
(JM/BMcC)
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27 March 2009
Duffy Charged With Army Shooting
A known republican has been charged with the murder of two young soldiers at an Antrim army barracks. Colin Duffy is accused of murdering Sappers Patrick Azimkar and Mark Quinsey (both pictured here) at the Massereene base on 7 March. He is also charged with five counts of attempted murder and one count of possession of a firearm.
Duffy Charged With Army Shooting
A known republican has been charged with the murder of two young soldiers at an Antrim army barracks. Colin Duffy is accused of murdering Sappers Patrick Azimkar and Mark Quinsey (both pictured here) at the Massereene base on 7 March. He is also charged with five counts of attempted murder and one count of possession of a firearm.
19 February 2009
Duffy Scores Hat Trick At Brit Awards
Welsh soul singer Duffy walked away with a trio of gongs last night at the annual Brit Awards. The 24-year-old was close to tears as she accepted the accolades in three categories, for Best British Album ('Rockferry'), Best British Breakthrough Act and Best British Female Artist.
Duffy Scores Hat Trick At Brit Awards
Welsh soul singer Duffy walked away with a trio of gongs last night at the annual Brit Awards. The 24-year-old was close to tears as she accepted the accolades in three categories, for Best British Album ('Rockferry'), Best British Breakthrough Act and Best British Female Artist.
18 February 2009
Duffy And Coldplay Lead Brit Awards Race
Coldplay and Duffy are leading the way with four nominations each at tonight's annual Brit awards which will take place at London's Earls Court this evening. Welsh singer-songwriter Duffy, (pictured) whose debut album Rockferry was the best selling record of 2008 selling 4.
Duffy And Coldplay Lead Brit Awards Race
Coldplay and Duffy are leading the way with four nominations each at tonight's annual Brit awards which will take place at London's Earls Court this evening. Welsh singer-songwriter Duffy, (pictured) whose debut album Rockferry was the best selling record of 2008 selling 4.
19 September 2014
Man Charged Over East London Murder
A 48-year-old man has been charged with the murder of woman in east London. Police say that the man has been charged with stabbing to death 26-year-old Leighann Duffy. Ms Duffy was found at a house in Hatherley Road in Walthamstow suffering stab wounds to her arm and neck. She died two days later in hospital.
Man Charged Over East London Murder
A 48-year-old man has been charged with the murder of woman in east London. Police say that the man has been charged with stabbing to death 26-year-old Leighann Duffy. Ms Duffy was found at a house in Hatherley Road in Walthamstow suffering stab wounds to her arm and neck. She died two days later in hospital.
24 August 2010
School Assistant Jailed For Sex With Pupil
A former school teaching assistant has been sentenced to 16 months imprisonment after being convicted of sexual activity with a pupil.
School Assistant Jailed For Sex With Pupil
A former school teaching assistant has been sentenced to 16 months imprisonment after being convicted of sexual activity with a pupil.
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