Betjeman Society Award 2020
Announcing Kevin J Gardner as the second winner of the Betjeman Society ‘Award, Lance Pierson, Chairman of the Society, said:
“It is a special honour to make this Award in recognition of the outstanding academic contribution to the understanding of John Betjeman’s poetry made by Kevin Gardner along with work he does to promote his poetry”.
The citation for the Award reads: Winner – Kevin J Gardner
The publication of Harvest Bells: New and Uncollected Poems represented the culmination of Kevin Gardner’s dedicated and painstaking scholarship researching the archives of John Betjeman papers in the McPherson Library at the University of Victoria and The State University of New York in Buffalo, and elsewhere. Harvest Bells is the most significant publication of the works of John Betjeman for many years and adds immensely to the understanding of the poet’s life and work. In his review of Harvest Bells in the Betjemanian, Bevis Hillier said “Up to this point, I have not heard the expression ‘Betjeman Studies’; but, if anything qualifies for that phrase, it is the dedicated, diligent and humane work of Professor Kevin Gardner. I salute him.” Kevin Gardner is one of the foremost Betjeman scholars in the world and his books and articles have consistently brought new insights and delight to Betjeman fans and the wider public.
Biography
Kevin J Gardner is Professor of English at Baylor University, in Texas, USA. He is the author of many articles and books, and is the editor of “Poems in the Porch”, “Building Jerusalem” and “Faith and Doubt of John Betjeman”.
The runners up who have all been Highly Commended by the adjudication panel are:
The Dragon School, Oxford
Citation
The Dragon School has produced the Betjeman Lesson Plans which provide resources for teachers to use John Betjeman’s poetry in schools. Led by a most imaginative teacher, the lesson plans present a selection of poems chosen to inspire and encourage the next generation to think and write creatively. The lesson plans provide the tools free online for teachers to use.
Baz Morris
Citation
Baz Morris with Sheila his wife were founder members and have led the Shires Branch for over 20 years since its inception in October 1997. He has produced printed material, used technology and shared his imagination and skills in a way that leaves members of the Shires Branch awestruck and happy. Baz’s knowledge, dedication and enthusiasm pervade the activities of the Shires Branch and are respected by the members.
St Protus and St Hyacinth, Blisland
Citation
This church so loved by Betjeman, St Protus and St Hyacinth is known to most in the Society by its popular local name St Pratts. The creation of a Betjeman Corner keeps alive the association between Betjeman and the church. Mr Charles Whitehead has led a novel initiative by creating a stall under the west window selling books by and about Betjeman and his family. This has raised significant funds for the church and enables tourists to greatly benefit from their visit to the church.
The Award
The Betjeman Society Award is to be presented to the “person, group or organisation which in the opinion of the Council has made the most significant recent contribution to the understanding, or enjoyment of the life and work of Sir John Betjeman.” This fits perfectly with the ethos of the Society espoused by our Founder that we are a “Think Tank”, a pressure group, constantly reminding others of the influence of Betjeman, and a Society of people which comes together because of a shared interest…”
The Award is a way for the Society to recognise and reward those who promote the enjoyment, understanding and knowledge of John Betjeman and his work. The award is open to all who make nominations. The outstanding number of nominations for the 2020 Award reflects the continued interest in his work. The winner is presented with a trophy comprising one of Martin Jennings’ limited edition cast bronze maquette of the John Betjeman statue at St Pancras Station, mounted on a Caithness stone base on which successive winner’s names are engraved. They also receive a certificate with a specially commissioned design.
Details of how to make nominations for the 2021 Award will be announced later this year.