Six Alsager poets feature in an anthology published by prize-winning poet Philip Williams - former Alsager Town council chair and a former councillor.

Entitled 'Taste The Bright Moment' it includes 70 poems by 28 poets and will be launched at a reading at Alsager Library from 4.30pm to 6pm next month (March).

The anthology features work by past and present members of the Keele Poets at Silverdale group which Philip (known by friends as Phil) Williams has run at Silverdale library for the last five years.

Alsager library is hosting the event when Phil will be unveiling the book. (Photo: Nub News)

"I wanted to mark the exceptional talent within the group which began as an adult education class at Keele University over 20 years ago," said Phil said.

He added: "When funding for extra-mural classes dried up the group continued at Silverdale Library under a succession of tutors including Harry Owen former Cheshire Poet Laureate and the late John Statham from Alsager.

"Some of their poems feature in the collection alongside poems by past and current members. There is an extraordinary range of styles and subject matter, some humorous, some poignant, all very well crafted. There is something in it for everyone," he said about the book whose link to buy is here .

Phil with the book he's recently published. (Photo: Phil Williams)

Phil attended the group for several years when it was run by his predecessor Caroline Hawkridge who stepped down to concentrate on her work as PA to Poet Laureate Simon Armitage.

"It was a privilege to be invited to take over from Caroline and other well-respected tutors," Phil said. "I sometimes joke that it is like Doctor Who, the tutor 'morphs' or 'regenerates' every few years, but the group continues. We have both new and long-standing members with both beginners and experienced poets.

Cllr Phil Williams was a former chair of Alsager Town Council. (Photo: Nub News)

"It's great to see people hone and develop their skills and the standard is very high indeed. The opportunity for members to read their poetry publicly is very much part of the experience and I am very grateful to Alsager Library for facilitating this. It promises to be a memorable event and all are welcome."

The library launch event takes place on Tuesday, 25th March.

Phil is a twice-winner of the High Sheriff's Cheshire Prize for Literature in the poetry category. His work has been published in national poetry journals including Agenda, iota, Tears in the Fence and Poetry Wales.

Taste The Bright Moment retails at £5.99 and is available from Two Doors Studios in Alsager or directly from Phil himself

Discounted copies will be available at the launch in Alsager Library on 25th March and a copy is available to borrow from the Library.

Anyone interested in the publication or in the poetry group should contact Philip Williams on 01270 882060 or by email: [email protected]

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