Homage to Ayrshire beat poet

May 29 2009 by Edwin Lawrence

A NEW book sheds light on an Ayrshire poet who could now find a whole new audience.

It is titled Discovering Matthew Anderson, Policeman-Poet of Ayrshire.

And it is written by Donald Reid, himself a retired policeman.

Matthew Anderson (1864-1948) served as a constable in the Ayrshire Constabulary for 36 years.

And during his lifetime he published six volumes of poetry.

Donald’s book revisits the life and times of Matthew Anderson and records some of his best poems.

Donald says: “Matthew wrote about the towns in which he served, but his poetry encompassed much more.

“He was born and raised at Waterside near Dalmellington and would have witnessed the mini-industrial revolution taking place there with the Houldsworth family creating the Dalmellington Iron Works.

“He wrote some wonderful poems about Ayrshire's Doon Valley and was very proud of his roots.”

The 108-page book includes more than 50 illustrations, and sells for £12, including p&p (UK only).

It is available from Donald L Reid, 7 Manuel Avenue, Beith, Ayrshire KA15 1BJ. Check out website www.donaldreid.org.uk or e-mail donaldleesreid@hotmail.com

Donald is a retired superintendent who served in the Ayrshire Constabulary and Strathclyde Police from 1967 to 1999.

The book is sure to be of interest to anyone who loves old Ayrshire and police history, and Matthew’s poems will strike a chord with a most folk. It also contains a potted history of Ayrshire Constabulary.

Donald is a self-publisher who is personally paying all costs, as well as marketing the book.

Any royalties that might arise from sales will benefit the Retired Police Officers Association (Scotland) – Ayrshire Branch.