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Students William Dewar, David Williams, Zoe Thompson and Oliver Wilkie with English teacher Dominic Oliver and poet Ian McMillan
Students William Dewar, David Williams, Zoe Thompson and Oliver Wilkie with English teacher Dominic Oliver and poet Ian McMillan

Poetic Winners

3 January 2007

Four budding young writers from RGS Worcester got the chance to meet popular poet Ian McMillan on Platform 3 of Snowhill Station just before Christmas. The four Year 11 students beat off competition from other poetic passengers to win the Central Trains’ Christmas Poetry prize – a signed copy of Ian’s exclusive poem, “Take me on a Christmas Trip on Central Trains.” Ian, otherwise known as the Bard of Barnsley, was impressed by the youngsters and their unusual nine lined poem which had been penned during a “during the final few minutes of an English lesson.” He said: “I’ve never seen a nine-lined poem before, they’ve invented a new structure. I like it!” William Dewar, who picked up the poetry competition entry form during a train trip on the Snowhill Line said: “It was great to meet Ian McMillan, he was not how you would imagine a poet. He was making jokes over the station PA and told us about his TV and radio appearances.” Ian, a keen supporter of rail travel, judged the entries written by passengers on the Snow Hill line. They had to be upbeat and bring together Christmas and Central Trains. He said: “The great thing about trains is you can sit and gaze out of the window. It’s a great opportunity to write a poem, reflect on life or eavesdrop on other people’s conversations!”


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