Poetic People (10): Ruth Padel

Ruth Padel is the new Poetry Professor for Oxford University, and the first woman to hold the chair. Professor David Morley has a good posting on the subject.

Poetic People (6): Laureate and Professor

The Times Higher (9-15 April 2009) comments on the 'race' for the Oxford post of Professor of Poetry. Ruth Padel and Derek Walcott are both in with a fine chance. Nominations close on 29 April and the election will take place on 16 May 2009. I have read works by both poets and have heard them both speak at the Guardian Hay Festival.

Calendar Corner (1): Daffodils for St David's Day

Above: Daffodils at Middleton, The National Botanic Garden of Wales
Below: The Alfred Wallace Garden, Middleton

1 March is St David's Day here in Wales. The National Botanic Garden celebrated with daffodils, national costumes - and a live Service of Sunday Worship on BBC Radio 4. The theme was 'Journey into Seeing: Observing Lent through the Senses'. The preacher was Dr Anne Richards and Cor Caerfyrddin provided the music.

The Wallace Garden has always intrigued me. It looks a bit bare at this time of year, but I chose this photograph because, unlike my summer views with lots of flower and foliage, you can see the intertwining structure of the double helix DNA path.

• Previous posting on poets, Padel and Cluysenaar, with science-orientated collections.
• A poem in DNA?
  

Poetry People (1): Ruth Padel

The Guardian has announced that Ruth Padel is in the running to become the next Oxford University Professor of Poetry. The poet has allowed her name to be nominated for the post. Andrew Motion has made it clear that he will not be standing. The prestigious post was established in 1708: former post-holders include Matthew Arnold and Seamus Heaney. The post-holder is required to deliver three lectures a year.