Stone’s Lola Taylor named Staffordshire Young Poet Laureate

Lola Taylor, a Year 12 student from Stone, has been named Staffordshire's new Young Poet Laureate. The appointment was announced on Thursday 1 October, coinciding with National Poetry Day. Taylor becomes the 11th person to take on the role, which is managed by Staffordshire County Council's Libraries and Communities Service.

Plans for the Year Ahead

Over the next 12 months, Taylor plans to take poetry into schools and communities across Staffordshire, encouraging young people to experiment with writing and performing in their own voices and styles.

Taylor said: "Being appointed Staffordshire's Young Poet Laureate means a great deal to me, as poetry has always been a way for me to express myself and connect with others."

She was inspired by slam poetry, both at school and through seeing it performed in the media. "I loved how powerful and relatable it could be. I particularly enjoy writing poems with a personal message, with the hope that people can see something of themselves in the words and feel less alone."

Supporting Other Young Writers

Taylor wants to use her year in the role to help others gain confidence to write and perform. "I want to share my passion for poetry with others, encourage more people to have the confidence to write and perform, and show how poetry can give people a voice. I hope poetry can have the same positive impact on others that it has had on me."

Working with the County Poet Laureate

Taylor will work alongside Cherry Doyle, a poet from Rugeley, who has been appointed Staffordshire Poet Laureate for the next two years. Doyle's own poetry has drawn on Staffordshire's landscape and history since she moved to the county 12 years ago. Her published work includes the pamphlet September and the collection The Taste of Rain: A Year on Cannock Chase.

As Staffordshire Poet Laureate, Doyle will promote poetry across the county, support Taylor in the Young Poet Laureate role, and create work celebrating Staffordshire's people and places.

Lola Taylor's poetry can be followed on Instagram at @lifethroughpoetry.lt.