IT'S not many running clubs which can name a Poet Laureate among their members, but Thirsk and Sowerby Harriers are proud to do just that and it probably all came about because of Covid.

When lockdown began, Olivia Mulligan was advised she was in the "at risk" group and should shield for 12 weeks. For extra support, she moved into the sanitised bubble of her retired parents' home in Dishforth village and was face with the question of how to occupy her time. Olivia definitely has an artistic bent, borne out by the fact that she studied drama and creative writing during her student days at Royal Holloway, University of London. Now unable to go into work (which is customer facing) how to occupy her time became an issue. Her mother suggested she write a poem each day and that it be displayed on the gate post the end of their drive. She also left her phone number for villagers to text in suggestions for the next day's poem. After her time shielding and writing a poem each day, quite a collection was accrued.

Again, at villagers' suggestions, investigations were made about having them produced in a book. This duly happened, and Poems on the Gate Post was the result. Such was the reception of this volume that it came to the attention of BBC Radio York, and Olivia was invited to be their Poet Laureate. She can be heard at 1.15pm on that station on a Saturday reading one of her poems – and lookout for her second volume of poems which is currently in production.

As well as this amazing gift, Olivia is also a superb runner, one of the quickest lady members in the club. At the latest Sessay Swift 6k, in 2019, she was second lady finisher. Dare we hope that event may be held again this year, on Aug 18?

Many apologies to another fast lady runner, Gemma Duffy, on doing the quickest time at last week's virtual cross country. She was listed as a guest runner whereas she is a very welcome and valued new member – along with the many other new members who have been attracted to the club by being able to take part in all the virtual races arranged by the club in the last 12 months.