THE BARD OF STONY STRATFORD
  • Home
  • About
  • Bardic Trials
    • Bardic Oath
  • Youth Bard
  • Hall of Fame
  • Bardic Projects
    • Bardic Bash
    • Lockdown
  • Contact

The Bard of Stony Stratford




​The Bard of Stony Stratford is a civic position and serves as an advocate of Bardic arts in all it forms in Stony Stratford and beyond.  

The role of a town Bard is to produce and perform original pieces in the oral tradition to celebrate the customs and achievements of the town and its people, to attend various local events and occasions throughout the year as an honoured guest, and to preside over the annual festivals and events for StonyLive, Stony Words, Arts & Music Festivals and the Christmas Lights Switch On celebrations.


Every year, a new Bard is elected  by common consent in a public vote called the Bardic Trials which take place in January. This is an open contest before a live audience and a panel of expert judges. Anyone who has a voice and the power to use it can compete against their peers for this prestigious position.  The choice of the people is the voice of the people. Each Bard will hold their position for one year and a day, their final duty being to oversee the inauguration of their successor.


The Bardic Council




​​The Bardic Council of Stony Stratford was set up to support the Bard and to organise the events, trials, and publicity. The Bardic Council also record all of each Bard's achievements in the Bardic Book.
Picture
Terrie Howey - Chair
Terrie Howey is a professional storyteller, performing arts practitioner and workshop facilitator. Commonly performing as storyteller Red Phoenix, and running Red Phoenix Storytelling & Productions. She has performed, coached and mentored new and young performers internationally, and is dedicated to supporting the arts and making them accessible for all..
 
www.redphoenixstory.com
​

Picture

​Stephen Hobbs (Bard 7) - Sectary & Treasurer
Stephen was raised on free school milk, Penguin Classics, and lots of fresh air before becoming a meandering librarian in the cosmopolitan towns of Liverpool, Birkenhead, Bebington, Milton Keynes, and Bletchley. Stephen is now retired and has even more time to read books! As a double grandfather, Stephen intends to make something of his life, perhaps becoming a little more sensible in the process. He believes that writing poetry is a serious and profound business (he really does); however, his verse refuses to take the hint and insists on a high humour content.
​

Currently Andy Powell (Bard 10) and Mitchell Taylor (Bard 9) are serving on the Bardic Council.
Each Bard serves on the council during their Bardship. Pat Nicholson and Vanessa Horton both served extended terms on the council which we are most grateful for.

Role of the council:​
  • The Bardic Council is a steering group to ensure the concept, aims and quality of the “Bard of Stony Stratford” title regardless of its holder.
  • The Bardic  Council will support the Bard of Stony Stratford in their engagements throughout the year, and where necessary perform on behalf of the Bard to ensure bardic duties are met.
  • The Bardic Council operate as a support for the Bard of Stony Stratford, arranging bookings, promotions and marketing/press, and keeps a record in the Bardic Book of the Bard’s events including;
      • StonyLive! – Brochure poem
      • Evening with the Bard and Friends
      • StonyWords – From Bard to Verse
      • Christmas Lights Switch On & Bardic Trials Launch
      • Bardic Trials
      • Stony in Bloom / Stony Open Gardens
      • Apple Day
      • Big Lunch
      • & others
  • The Bardic Council is responsible for shortlisting applicants into the Bardic Trials should the application list exceed 8 hopefuls.

​


Picture
Richard Frost - Founder
Richard is the founder of the Bard of Stony Stratford, The Bardic Council and Scribal Gathering, Milton Keynes' longest and most successful running open-mic night running every 2nd Tuesday of the month. His hard work and dedication in the creation of the Bard of Stony Stratford has lead to it being recognised locally and regionally, and has made it a now much welcomed part of Stony traditions. The Bardic Council are grateful to Richard, we would like to recognise his contribution, and thank him for the inspiration he has instilled throughout the community.

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
  • Home
  • About
  • Bardic Trials
    • Bardic Oath
  • Youth Bard
  • Hall of Fame
  • Bardic Projects
    • Bardic Bash
    • Lockdown
  • Contact