The Return

Myfanwy Haycock, born in 1913, mapped out a career as one of Wales's most talented female poets during the mid-twentieth century and was dubbed as 'Gwent's second voice' at the age of 19. A skilled illustrator, journalist and broadcaster, Haycock explored the world around her through impressionistic poetry and often outspoken articles. However in the years since her death, Haycock's poetic landscape has largely been lost. During her multifaceted life, experiencing the tragedy of the Second World War to her own debilitating illness, Haycock was able to visualise the beauty around her and make 'her literary output shine like a diamond among broken glass'. Transporting the reader to the roaming valleys and exploring the foggy landscape of Monmouthshire, to overlooking the rolling Surrey woodlands from her garden to the trampled grass of Kensington. Foreword by Jenni Crane.

Jenni Crane is a Pontypool-born BBC continuity announcer, broadcaster, TV and Radio Producer. With a BA Hons in Acting from The Italia Conti Academy, Jenni has worked on both sides of the camera. She authored BBC Radio 4 documentary The Chaplain's Suitcase. In 2023 she launched the Myfanwy Haycock Poetry Trail and presented My Hill of Dreams for BBC Radio Wales. Myfanwy Haycock (1913-1963) was one of the Eastern Valley of Wales's most endearing and talented female lyric poets, publishing seven poetry collections and broadcasting her poems on radio and television. In 1932, Haycock won the English Lyric entry at the National Eisteddfod, Port Talbot, for her poem 'The Hill of Dreams' and, later, two bardic chairs, at Ebbw Vale and Newport. Her poetry embodied her love of nature, places, and her hometown of Pontypool. She was a regular feature writer for the South Wales Argus, Western Mail and many others.