Ref. 71811-20A LIFELONG Richard Burton fan will today pay her own tribute to the legendary actor when she presents a poem to a commemorative exhibition.

Mary Ratcliffe, 80, is set to give the poem, entitled Richard, son of Pontrhydyfen, to the curator at St David's Hall, Cardiff, where a tribute exhibition is being held to mark the 20th anniversary of the Welsh actor's death.

Mrs Ratcliffe penned the poem shortly after Burton died on August 5, 1984, and then sent it to 15 members of his family.

His elder brother, David Jenkins, replied to Mrs Ratcliffe telling her the poem had moved him to tears.

He passed the poem to Burton's ex-wife Elizabeth Taylor and also asked for permission to use the poem in a book about the actor's life.

Mrs Ratcliffe, who is known in Swindon for dressing up as Queen Victoria for public events, said she was very excited about her trip to Cardiff.

She said: "I'm really looking forward to it.

"The fact that I received letters from his family after his death would suggest my poem had an impact.

"Burton inspired me. When I was growing up I always followed his progress, I've always admired him and he had a tremendous presence.

"I cannot believe it is 20 years since his death.

"He left such a huge legacy, not just with his films.

"He inspired me to write that poem and then when I heard about the exhibition I thought it would be a wonderful opportunity to present it."

Burton's widow, Sally, officially opened the exhibition on July 28, which includes a rare collection of photographs spanning almost 40 years as well as fact files and press cuttings covering the actor's whole life.

Photos of Burton, some never before seen by the public, are also included, showing him at rehearsals.

Pure prose

Here is just a small excerpt from Mary's poem, celebrating the life of actor Richard Burton . . .

Beloved Hamlet of yesteryear, your passing is sweet sorrow.

Noble prince of velvet tongue, we'll weep not on the morrow.

For you have given boundless joy in passionate oration.

Rebelled against conformity, commanded adulation

Emma-Kate Lidbury