Category Archives: Member News

Competition Success For Jack Cooper

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Jack has won the 18-24 category for Oxford City Council’s ‘Shout Out for the Covered Market’ competition, judged by Barney Norris, with his poem ‘Homecoming’.

The competition was set-up to celebrate the historic market, which is quickly approaching its 350th anniversary!

He has also been commended by Andrew McMillan in the Verve Poetry Festival’s ‘Diversity’ competition, for his poem ‘exquisite corpse’.

Jack will be performing at the festival alongside the other commended and winning poets, and Andrew himself: Sunday, 23rd February, 11am-12:30pm.

Julian Bishop Running Workshop on November 7th

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In the second instalment of Julian’s contemporary poetry workshop series, Don’t Call Us Dead, participants will be exploring the works of American poets of colour – such as Jericho Brown, Danez Smith, Tracy K Smith, and Patricia Smith.

The workshop will be hosted at The Dugdale Centre in Enfield on November 7th, from 7:30-9:30pm. The evening will include a couple of suggested prompts, and will begin with a quick read-around from those who tackled the prompts of the previous session.

There are 12 spaces available, at £5 each to cover room hire. Email Julian to express interest: julianbishop5@gmail.com

Tea and coffee will be provided.

Jack Cooper Commended in Timothy Corsellis Prize 2019

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The Timothy Corsellis Prize was set up in memory of the young poet Timothy Corsellis, both as a memorial and an encouragement to others to explore the often overlooked field of Second World War poetry.

Jack’s commended poem, Gold Beach, drew from the life and work of Keith Douglas, who died shortly after taking part in the Normandy Invasion.

Read the winning and commended poems here.

Jack Cooper Commended in Mary Wollstonecraft Challenge

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Mary Wollstonecraft was a groundbreaking Enlightenment philosopher. She wrote the first English language call for the equality of the sexes, and became the world’s first female war correspondent when she traveled to France to report on the “Reign of Terror”.

Bee Rowlett asked poets to respond to one of Mary’s quotes, Jack choosing “I am the first of a new genus!” for his poem Origins.

Read Jack’s poem and a lively account of Mary’s life here.

Jack Cooper Places 3rd in Competition Honouring Poet Laureate

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To celebrate Carol Ann Duffy’s legacy as Poet Laureate, the Young Poets Network asked poets aged 5-25 around the world to respond to her works.

Judge (and Duffy expert) Dr Mari Hughes-Edwards selected Jack Cooper as the third prize winner.

A private man, public spaces was inspired by Duffy’s diction, along with her common themes of suffering and queer love.

Mari commented, ‘this poem respects her connection with men, their lives and their work in its naming of masculine fragilities’, and praised its references to The Anvil and some of Duffy’s influences.

You can find out more about the competition, and its winners, here.

Vicky Olliver and Jack Cooper to feature in Imago Dei Exhibition, Enfield

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Christ Church United Reformed Church on Chase Side, Enfield,
widely recognized for its iconic spire, will be throwing open its
doors this coming Holy Week to host a community exhibition
entitled Imago Dei.


Imago Dei will focus on images of God, and of
humanity, and will include poetry, music, and art.

Vicky Olliver’s ‘Spring’, and Jack Cooper’s ‘Convert’ will be part of the exhibition.


On Wednesday 17th April and Saturday 20th April, between
11am and 1pm, local poet Mary Duggan will run a workshop
called “Where word meets art”, which will provide a practical
opportunity for members of the local community to add their
own work and thoughts to the exhibition.


Local poets, including Vicky Olliver, will be reading their poetry live on Saturday from
2pm to 3pm.

Revd Mark Meatcher, minister of Christ Church, explained the
aims of the exhibition:-
“Christ Church United Reformed Church are keen to show off
their building and to encourage a greater use of it. .
We are eager to encourage people to come and share with us
when we worship week by week, and also, with the support of
the local community, provide opportunities for shared
experiences together.
This exhibition enables us to do just that, and we look forward
to welcoming people to spend some time with us during Holy
Week in whatever way they can, or wish to do so.”


“Imago Dei” will be open daily during Holy Week from 15th to
21st April (10 am to 4pm Monday to Thursday, 1pm to 4pm on
Good Friday and 10 am to 4pm on Easter Saturday).