Yardstick celebrates Jamaica 50 with An Evening with Lorna Goodison

The Yardstick programme of Black author talks kicks off at Bristol Central Library on the evening of Friday, June 8 2012 with poet Lorna Goodison. This event celebrates 50 years of Jamaican independence.

Lorna, who was born in Jamaica, is internationally recognised as one of the foremost Caribbean writers. She has received much recognition and many awards for her writing in both poetry and prose, including the Commonwealth Poetry Prize (Americas Region), the Jamaica 50 Cultural Medal of Honour and the British Columbia National Award for Canadian Non-Fiction for From Harvey River: A Memoir of My Mother and Her People.

Lorna’s work has been included in the major anthologies and collections of contemporary poetry published in the United States, Europe and the West Indies over the past 15 years, such as the Norton Anthology of World Masterpieces.

Tickets for ‘An Evening with Lorna Goodison’ are available online at http://yardstick.eventbrite.co.uk. Earlybird prices are £3, plus a small booking fee. Tickets on the door will be £5. The event will start at 7 pm and finish at 8.15 pm.

Bertel Martin, coordinator of Yardstick, said: “Yardstick have produced a very exciting programme of library events and we’re very pleased to be able to kick off our programme with its patron, Lorna Goodison. For readers familiar with the work of the writers in the programme, this is a rare opportunity to meet them face to face. It is also a great introduction to some truly wonderful writers and a chance to immerse yourself in stories and poetry from the African diaspora.”

Cllr Guy Poultney, Cabinet Member for Communities said: "Libraries play a vital role in the cultural life of an international city, and Bristol Central Library hosting such a talented and respected Caribbean writer is fantastic news."

Lorna will also lead on a poetry master class with local writers at Bristol Central Library on Saturday, June 9. The professional development of writers engaging with African Diaspora and Black British themes was an objective of the Grants for the Arts award.

The Poetry Masterclass with Lorna Goodison costs £5. The masterclass will take place from 1.30pm to 3.30pm. Places are limited. To book a place email admin@yardstick.org.uk

The season of Yardstick talks includes Ben Okri, Rommi Smith and Nii Ayikwei Parkes. For programme information visit www.yardstick.org.uk. Yardstick is a partnership of Bristol Libraries, Bath & North East Somerset Library Service, City Chameleon Ltd and Arts Council England.