A COLLECTION of poems by the late Bard Hilary Keam (Degor Hwarth, Bringer of Laughter) is being published in support of Cornwall Hospice Care.

Produced by her widower Dennis, the book celebrates Hilary’s extraordinary talent to tell a good tale in rhyme.

Born in St Austell, Hilary trained as a teacher and after two years in Hackney, East London, spent the rest of her career in Cornish schools.

It was the installation of a leaking cooker at her home that started the poetry journey, as her husband of 61 years Dennis explained: “She wrote a poem about the Rayburn and then over some 30 years she wrote more than 200 other poems, many based on actual events.

“It led to her being made a Cornish Bard in 2010 for her contribution to the Cornish dialect and for raising funds for local charities. She was thrilled.”

Hilary entertained at more than 80 villages and towns across Cornwall sharing her witty and poetic observations.

Dennis continued: “When Hilary passed away it made perfect sense to collate some of her favourite poems into this new book.

“To fully enjoy the poems it’s best to practise alone and then to read them to friends and family. Laughter is a great tonic and Hilary brought joy to many.”

Dennis was assisted by Philip Davey, a former pupil of both him and Hilary, as well as by Mid-Cornwall Printing who he said have been “amazing in their support.”

It took six months to type out the 150 poems included in the book that had all been hand written by Hilary. The book will be available direct from Dennis who lives in Probus by calling 01726 882586. Funds from sales of the book will be going towards supporting Cornwall Hospice Care and their Mount Edgcumbe Hospice, St Austell, in particular.

The book is being launched at Ladock Village Hall at 4pm on Saturday, May 31. All are welcome and there’ll be a free Cornish cream tea.

Dennis added: “Hilary received exceptional Lymphoedema treatment at Mount Edgcumbe Hospice where she had regular appointments with Helen Treleaven, the Lymphoedema Specialist. Helen made such a difference. Hilary went in with elephant like legs and after a series of sessions, had young legs once again.”