It is with deep regret that The Philip Larkin Society shares the news of the passing of Carole Collinson. Carole was a long-standing trustee and supporter of the Society, serving as Events Organiser for many years. In this role, she oversaw several large international conferences in Hull, and organised numerous distinguished lectures, welcoming Colin Dexter, Alan Bennett, and Grayson Perry to name a few.

Throughout her time with the Society, Carole played a unique and vital part in ensuring Larkin’s presence was felt deeply within both the University and the City of Hull. She was the driving force behind raising funds for the Larkin statue at Hull Paragon Station, securing Maureen Lipman to perform at a black-tie auction that raised nearly £10,000. Before the unveiling of the statue, in an interview with the Yorkshire Post, Carole outlined the myriad benefits of the installation. Her comments perfectly captured the immense joy she took in her work, as well as her lifelong passion for opening up education and poetry to others:

“Not only will people stop and look at the statue and have their photograph taken beside it – this happens on average every 10 minutes according to station staff – but they will linger to read the inscriptions and perhaps be inspired to go away and read more of Larkin’s poetry”.

Following the death of Andrew Eastwood, Carole stepped into the role of Membership Secretary, where she oversaw a significant rise in numbers. She possessed the rare gift of making every single new member feel personally welcome.

On her retirement as a Trustee last year Carole received a Grayson Perry plate featuring a detail from Map of Days, inspired by the Philip Larkin poem ‘Days’.

One of Carole’s favourite Larkin poems was ‘The Trees’ and this was read by Trustee Julian Wild at her funeral service on Monday 22 June.  Carole chose to read this poem as part of our podcast celebration of ‘The Less Deceived’ last year. 

At the news of her passing, one trustee described Carole as a ‘force of nature’. Her work for the Society is evidence of this. Carole will not only be remembered as a ‘force of nature’, but as a close friend and source of warmth for many. She will be dearly missed by all.