麻豆社

Poet Daljit Nagra revisits 麻豆社 radio's poetry archive with 'What the Donkey Saw' - UA Fanthorpe's Christmas poems.

Starting in 1972, UA Fanthorpe wrote a Christmas poem every year. Sheila Hancock reads a selection, with an introduction by UA's partner, Rosie Bailey, who designed and printed the cards they sent.

Fanthorpe was witty, original, and she reworked the Christmas story from quirky angles. These were so popular with recipients that a collection was published.

Featuring some of those on this very special poetical Christmas card list, including Carol Ann Duffy, Lawrence Sail and Jackie Kay. For them receiving the poem was important - a funny but thoughtful beginning to Christmas.

Producer: Julian May

First broadcast on 麻豆社 Radio 4 in 2011.