New bard to add to 'rich tapestry' of Manx culture

Jordanne Kennaugh takes over the role from Boakesey Closs

The next Manx bard said she was looking forward to contributing to the "rich tapestry of Manx cultural heritage" with her poetry.

Jordanne Kennaugh is the 10th person to hold the position, which has the task of promoting poetry on the island.

Launched by the Isle of Man Arts Council and supported by Culture Vannin, the appointment stems from a Celtic tradition where a bard was the historian and storyteller within a community.

Ms Kennaugh said it was a "privilege" to be selected for the position.

The bard is selected by panellists through a poetry competition.

Ms Kennaugh, who is from the south of the island, will take over the post from current Manx bard Boakesey Closs.

'Ability to connect'

Ms Kennaugh said ideas that she had for her tenure included engaging with local businesses including cafes, restaurants and corporations to get poetry "out in the eye of the public".

"I think a lot of people think it is an unapproachable activity, or they are not qualified enough to like it," she said.

"But poetry has such an ability to connect people across so many generations."

She said she started writing poems with the encouragement of her English teacher at school, and had always seen language as a hobby.

Her poems were "an outlet for emotions that we struggle to get out with people face to face", she said.

It meant "so much to be given the opportunity to contribute positively to the rich tapestry of Manx cultural heritage", she added.