Talented Vicar the Rev’d Trevor Hicks has had his gift for writing poetry officially recognised and honoured by the Bishop of Derby, who will be making him a unique ‘Canon Poet’ of Derby Cathedral on Sunday March 11th any a service starting at 6pm.

Writing poetry, song lyrics and short stories has been a lifetime’s hobby for Trevor and he has had several poems and short stories published, most often in Cornwall in a magazine called Poetry Cornwall, which attracts contributions from poets from all over the country and abroad. Trevor has also had his talent recognised in the Gorseth Kernow, a Cornish open arts competition, winning second place in the English Poetry class and Short Story class, and Highly Commended in Dialect Verse in 2006.

Among other themes, Trevor uses his skill to communicate Christian teachings in a creative way and occasionally writes poetry and hymn lyrics for his own church, St Mary & St Laurence, in Bolsover.

To be made a Canon of the Cathedral is a privilege given to those who serve the Church in a variety of special ways. The choice of who can be made an Honorary Canon is at the Bishop’s discretion. As ‘Canon Poet’, which is thought to be the first of its kind in the Church of England, Trevor will write poetry for selected Cathedral events and also in the life of the church across Diocese of Derby, which covers Derbyshire county.

Trevor said: “In a meeting with the Bishop last year he took an interest in my work and we discussed how poetry has long been a tradition in the spiritual life as a way of self-expression. Some people do not profess to be moved by it, but poetry can be a means by which to express emotions which can not be put into ordinary every day language; I quite often get asked to read poetry for events like weddings and funerals. Many priests down the ages have used poetry in their own expression of their faith and in developing liturgy – the written words followed in church services by the priest and congregation. Because it is so unusual, I was quite taken aback, but also pleased, when the Bishop suggested the Canon Poet role. I enjoy writing, so it will be a privilege to do this while also making a contribution to the life of the Cathedral and the Diocese.”

The Rt Rev’d Dr Alastair Redfern, Bishop of Derby said: “I am certain many worshippers in Derbyshire will appreciate Trevor’s gift for writing and come to value the way in which his words give access to God’s own expressions of love for all of us. Canon Poet is a very unusual title in the church, possibly unique, but I am delighted to add Trevor as the bearer of this title to the Canons of the Cathedral, recognising the value of the arts in worship and acknowledging the variety of ways in which we can connect with God in our own spiritual development.”

All are welcome to the service on Sunday, which will include some of Trevor’s poetry.

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