Bolton Station Community Partnership is delighted to announce the publication of its first poetry book – The Platform Anthology. The publication contains the eight winning poems from the recent borough-wide competition and all the other entrants who were shortlisted. The book is beautifully illustrated by Allison Timmins, who holds a University of Bolton School of the Arts Masters Degree. The volume represents the creative work of over fifty people who either live, work or study in Bolton or have previously done so.
The competition was funded by Transport for Greater Manchester which has supported numerous Bolton station community projects over the last two years. Rail officer, Mark Angelucci said: “TfGM is happy to support Bolton Station Community Partnership and its marvellous work involving the local community. We wish to thank all of the contributors for their efforts and look forward to seeing the winning works on display, where they can both inspire passengers and brighten up the platform approaches.”
Julie Levy, Chair of the station’s community partnership and Dave Morgan of Live from Worktown, collaborated over the last nine months to launch and manage the poetry competition, which was supported by the University’s acclaimed Creative Writing Department. The competition was held in two phases ensuring an equal chance of success for all age groups.
Commenting on the publication Julie said: “We are very excited to have brought the project to this point in what has been a difficult year for so many people. We hope having their work in print will make all the contributors feel proud of themselves.”
Dave added: ”We were bowled over by the range of responses to the theme of Journey. We tried to make sure that all age groups and levels of experience were represented from novice to professional.
Paul Salveson, chair of South East Lancashire Community Rail Partnership, said: “This is a brilliant example of the arts community working with the railways, helping to make stations friendly, welcoming and interesting places.”
The winning eight poems will be printed onto special boards and mounted onto the large pillars on platforms at the railway station. This will be completed when regulations allow people to meet for other than essential purposes.
A virtual celebration event is being planned with the University of Bolton where the eight winners will have an opportunity to read their poems to the audience. The event will also feature two experienced local poets who will read some of their work and discuss how they go about writing their own poetry. Copies of the anthology can be ordered from Julie at boltonstationcdp@gmail.co.uk and cost £5 plus postage and packing.
