Who was she? Our Founder and Patron of the Yeovil Literary Prize, Margaret Graham , has written the following about one of her writing students who left such a wonderful impression, as well as encouragement to all writers.

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The Novel category of the Prize is named after Betty (actually Lady Bolingbroke-Kent ) because she was so keen that the Yeovil Literary Prize should be created, even though she knew it was something she would never actually see in existence. Betty was suffering from terminal cancer, but kept spurring us on, bless her.

I adored her, and that would have been enough of a reason to name the Novel category of the Prize after her, but it was also because of her confidence in the Prize.

Betty Bolingbroke-Kent attended my writing courses for several years. She was a sparkling star, quite frankly. Erudite, kind and amusing. Her ability as a writer grew out of all recognition. It was full of colour, warmth and technique. This reflected her personality. She always wore colourful clothes and added a certain buzz to any occasion. But heavens, she was very firm when needed.

I can remember when I had a fairly obstreperous male student who had written a story about M15, and it didn't ring true. He refused to accept my points, until Betty felt driven to lay down the law to him, discussing her own wartime career - working with M15 at Bletchley Park. Goodness, how she sorted that gentleman out!

So, the Yeovil Literary Prize NOVEL award is our homage to a wonderful lady.