Benjamin Zephaniah said he loved living in South Holland and following the tributes after his death last week, it’s clear the district loved him back.
The 65-year-old poet, activist, actor and TV presenter who had a home in Moulton Chapel died on December 7 last week.
A statement from his family said he had been diagnosed with a brain tumour just eight weeks ago.
“Benjamin’s wife was by his side throughout and was with him when he passed.
“We shared him with the world and we know many will be shocked and saddened by this news.
“Benjamin was a true pioneer and innovator, he gave the world so much.
“Through an amazing career including a huge body of poems, literature, music, television and radio, Benjamin leaves us with a joyful and fantastic legacy.
“Thank you for the love you have shown Professor Benjamin Zephaniah.”
He’d moved to Moulton Chapel 12 years ago.
“I love coming home,” he told The Voice after winning a BAFTA for his Sky poetry show Life and Rhymes in 2021. “If coming home is not a joy then you are living in the wrong place. When I drive over the new blue bridge near Peterborough I relax because I’m home,” he said. “I just relax there now and chill, the tension just flows out and I love it.”
Benjamin grew up in Birmingham and left school aged 13 unable to read and write.
But inspired by the lyrics and music of Jamaica, the country his mum was from, he carved out a unique and impressive field in poetry.
He moved to London and had his first book of poetry published in 1980, becoming one of the key voices in the country, particularly on race relations.
As well as his books he released several albums including his poetry.
He was also a regular face on television be it presenting or acting, reaching a whole new audience as he played the Jamaican preacher Jeremiah in the hit TV show Peaky Blinders.
Following his death, tributes have poured in, including from people who encountered him throughout South Holland.
One of his closest friends in South Holland, Uptown Vinyl owner Alan Barnsdale, explained how Benjamin found out he’d won a BAFTA while at the tills at Baytree Garden Centre.
“His phone rang and he told the lady he would call her back but she said, ‘no Benjamin this is important, your TV Poetry programme has won a BAFTA!’.
“Benjamin then shouted,’ I’ve won a BAFTA! and the queue at the till in Baytree all shouted ‘He’s won a Bafta’.
“One thing I’ll always remember was his amazing smile and sense of humour
“Whenever he visited our home we could always hear him coming in his old Triumph TR7 sports car roaring on to the drive.
“We will remember this very special person who brought joy, humour, poetry and wisdom to so many people and we will be certain to celebrate his remarkable life for years to come.”
The full letter from Alan and his wife Sharon is here.
Jeff Woods, aka singer Pavanotti, said: “We met Benjamin when we first moved to the area and had the pleasure of becoming friends.
“We enjoyed lunches with him and his wife and several afternoons with them in our garden.
“Everyone knows he was a trailblazing poet but he was also a passionate, caring, man who was very kind.
“He donated some of his books for fundraising for St James’ Moulton Chapel. He also gave advice to a friend of ours on publishing his book.
“His death was an enormous shock and we will miss Benjamin, the man we knew.”
