Ann Atkinson
Ann Atkinson was Derbyshire Poet Laureate from 2009 to October 2011.
Many people in Derbyshire were saddened to hear of the untimely death of the poet Ann Atkinson in April 2012. Ann was Derbyshire Poet Laureate from 2009 to 2011 and during that time met and worked with over 1,500 people from all parts of the county. She reached an even wider audience through her collection 'From Matlock to Mamelodi: 5000 miles of poetry with the Derbyshire Poet Laureate Ann Atkinson'.
Ann was not only a great poet, but her warmth and enthusiasm for poetry inspired everyone who met her through her work with Derbyshire Libraries.
Originally from Teeside, Ann lived in the Peak District for over thirty years and many of her poems reflect her love of the countryside and its communities.
Ann is greatly missed but has left a wonderful legacy in her published work and her commissions for public art which can be seen at different places in Derbyshire including The Hub in South Normanton; Blackwell Miners Welfare Cricket Ground; and her Companion Stone in Longshaw Park.
We have published 'From Matlock to Mamelodi: 5000 miles of poetry with the Derbyshire Poet Laureate Ann Atkinson' which features all of the poems written by Ann during her time as laureate.
Copies are available to borrow in Derbyshire Libraries or if you would like to buy a copy, please contact Ali Betteridge, Literature Development Officer on 01773 831359 or email alison.betteridge@derbyshire.gov.uk.