At seven am on Monday 26 June, our Poetry by Heart school and county winners boarded the large school mini-bus for a day out in London. Our destination: The Globe Theatre. Our Purpose: to listen to poetry. 

Nine students, from year seven to twelve, accompanied by Mr Ford and me followed the river Thames to Lambeth Bridge, delighting at the sights. The day that followed, was one of laughter and contemplation as we watched the national finalists perform.  Published poets and past poet laureates rubbed elbows with schoolchildren of all ages. There was singing, dancing, puppetry and most of all, the joy of poetry. Our students were a credit to themselves and the school. I was proud to be there with them.

As we made our return journey back to the shire, our thoughts were of Poetry By Heart 2024…