YouTube link Begin with a kingdom called Mercia. Knead in a warrior princess - twist the gold braid of her gown into three loops to form a knot that binds you to your borders. Stretch moorlands across limestone valleys called Dove, Churnet and Trent,  form pockets of sandstone through the centre to house hermits and hold forest roots. To prepare your filling   chop lush green land  into pastures,   orchards and vineyards -   add a pinch of precious wildlife. Stir in just enough market towns and spired cities to ensure you can still taste their flavours, spread the efforts of industrialists,   miners, brewers and bakers across steam-filled skies drizzle lakes, rivers and canals in thin blue lines linking north to south, east to west, then bake sun-kissed ideas from   writers, musicians and artists until there are burnt umber horizons. Invite strangers to your table to share your feast, promise they will find someone they know,   and that you will b...

B ecoming S taffordshire P oet L aureate Receiving the laureate book from Mel Woodend It's been six weeks since I first found out I had become the new Staffordshire Poet Laureate and two weeks since it was officially announced on National Poetry Day and I still don't think it has really sunk in!  I am thrilled of course to be following Mel Woodend into the role who made such a difference to the poetry scene locally during her tenure.  It is also an honour to be included in the same list as other poets I respect and admire from Emily Galvin to Bert Flitcroft and of course  the late first Staffordshire poet laureate Mal Dewhirst.   I was lucky enough to work with Mal on several projects and he  encouraged me to keep writing even suggesting to me once that with my multi-skilled creative practice I should apply for the laureate role, so I hope he is looking over my shoulder now with pride. Mal Dewhirst at Ingestre Mal was a wonderful support to everythin...