William and Patricia Oxley, co-founders of the Torbay Poetry Festival. Founded in 2001 as the culmination of William 's Year of the Artist residency in Torbay, the Festival has been carried on with Patricia as the Festival Organiser and William as the hon. treasurer! Patricia has edited Acumen Literary Journal for the previous 25 years, celebrating its 25th birthday in April 2010. William is a poet with many books of poetry and essays published. See www.acumen-poetry.co.uk for more information.

Danny Pyle is a local poet who runs the Torquay Writers Group for which he won Torbay's ArtsBase Award for Literature in 2006. He has had several books of poetry published. He has been the Secretary for the committee since 2001.

Frances Morris, committee member for 7 years. A reader and appreciator of poetry who often gives us a fresh slant on the programme. Arranges all the beautiful flowers every festival.

Brenda Hutchings is the publicity officer for the Festival. She is a poet, painter and actress, who works in public relations. She is a keen member of various local poetry groups and is working towards her first collection.

Suzi Miles, committee member. Poet, actress and very active on the committee where she has been a member for two years.

Other members of the committee are John Miles, published poet and actor responsible for Festival poetry-and-drama;

Danielle Hope, poet and advisory editor to Acumen Literary Journal.

David Perman, published poet, publisher and ex-BBC producer responsible for Festival poetry-and-music events;

Alan Murray, winner of the 1st Torbay OpenPoetry Competition and responsible for sound requirements;

and Tony Morris who assists in various ways, especially as Festival transport manager.