[New-Poetry] A Blast from the past ... (Laureateship odds)

[Robin Hamilton]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/0,,323534,00.html

Fanthorpe makes an impact in laureate stakes

By Guardian staff
Thursday January 14, 1999

Guardian

The latest odds over a replacement for Ted Hughes as poet laureate show the
Guardian's tip for the post, U. A. Fanthorpe, moving into contention. Wendy
Cope heads the odds, from bookmakers William Hill, at 5/2, followed by Derek
Walcott at 3/1.

Fanthorpe is now third favourite at 4/1, ahead of the big guns of the poetry
establishment, Andrew Motion, James Fenton, Carol Ann Duffy and Tony
Harrison. Fanthorpe's odds shortened from 66/1 to 33/1 after the publication
on the front page of the Guardian of her birthday tribute to Prince Charles.

It was revealed last week that the 60-year-old poet had featured prominently
in the recommendations passed to Downing Street by the literary bodies with
an advisory role in the appointment.

Under proposals drawn up by the Department of Culture and Downing Street,
the post of poet laureate will no longer be for life, and will carry a
£20,000 salary and a grace-and-favour home. The poet laureate will accompany
the Queen and the Prime Minister on official trips.

The appointment is expected to be made next month.