Cholmondeley Awards 2022

Earlier this year I got news that I was to receive a Cholmondeley Award from the Society of Authors for my contribution to poetry to date. It was totally unexpected and a nice ‘tap on the shoulder’ for over thirty years of work. I was also pleased and honoured to discover the names of the superb poets who were also rewarded this year: Gerry Loose, Tiffany Atkinson,  Menna Elfin and Maggie O’Sullivan. It’s one of the oldest UK poetry awards and was founded by the late Dowager Marchioness of Cholmondeley in 1966 to recognise the achievement and distinction of individual poets. 

The prizegiving took place at a summer party at Southwark Cathedral on 1st June and I travelled down to London with my partner, Eric, my Mum and my sister to take part. The photo here shows a wine-and-canapé filled Kinloch standing (sort of) next to Tiffany, Menna, Joanne Harris and Lemn Sissay. It was a lovely party and definitely the highlight of my year!