Late Cornish Bard’s Poems to Support Cornwall Hospice Care

A new book of poems by the late Bard Hilary Keam is being published in support of Mount Edgcumbe Hospice in St Austell.

The collection has been produced by Hilary’s husband Dennis Keam and celebrates her talent for storytelling through rhyme. Hilary, who was known by her Bardic name Degor Hwarth – Bringer of Laughter – wrote more than 200 poems over 30 years, many of them based on real events.

From a leaking Rayburn to a Bardic honour

Born in St Austell, Hilary trained as a teacher and, after two years in Hackney, spent the rest of her career in Cornish schools. She also taught herself to play the piano and organ, and was a founding member of the Tresillian Singers, later performing as part of a quartet called Kescan Lowen (Happy Chorus).

Her poetry began when a Rayburn cooker was installed at home and started leaking. 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 went on to perform in more than 80 towns and villages across Cornwall, sharing her witty and poetic observations.

A tribute through laughter

“When Hilary passed away it made perfect sense to collate some of her favourite poems into this new book,” said Dennis. “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 helped by Philip Davey, a former pupil of both him and Hilary, along with Mid-Cornwall Printing who he says have been “amazing in their support.” It took six months to type out the 150 poems included in the book, all of which were originally handwritten by Hilary.

Support for Mount Edgcumbe Hospice

All proceeds from the book will go to Cornwall Hospice Care, with a focus on supporting Mount Edgcumbe Hospice in St Austell, where Hilary received care for Lymphoedema.

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

The book is priced at £20 and is available directly from Dennis, who lives in Probus. To order a copy, call 01726 882586.