The Policeman-Poet of Ayrshire

Published 12 Jul 2009 14:26 0 Comments

Share this

Dalmellington born author, Donald L Reid, has a number of books relating to historical Doon Valley under his belt. The most recent, Discovering Matthew Anderson, Policeman-Poet of Ayrshire is another gem that will open eyes wide to more of the rich tapestry of social, industrial, policing and pictorial history of Ayrshire with Matthew Anderson"s (1864 - 1948) homely poems reflecting particularly on places where he was raised and served in the Ayrshire Constabulary. These include Ayrshire"s Doon with special emphasis on Dalmellington, Waterside, Burnfoothill, Ayr, Kilmarnock, Muirkirk, Cumnock, and Coylton. This book took Donald 3 years of research to complete. He said: 'I believe anyone with an interest in the Doon Valley will appreciate this book. Anderson"s deep love of the area shines through strongly and I think he would be rather pleased that some many of his poems have been made available to a new readership.'

This is a convivial entertaining poetic journey discovering the life and times of Matthew Anderson (1864 - 1948) and combines much factual information about Ayrshire"s industrial and social past and policing history and has varied photographs (over 50) of yesterday and today which will delight readers. One aim is that it may encourage others to reflect on their own experiences of Ayrshire and fly back on the wings of time to a period when there was genuine hardship and austerity across Ayrshire when people knew the need and value of sharing and caring.'

Matthew Anderson would have shone with pride if anyone had compared him with his hero Robert Burns. He never achieved the National Bard"s fame but the two men were alike in many ways; both Ayrshire born, both men of the people, and both writing beautiful verse.

This is a beautifully produced book. In fact it might be considered three books in one. It brings together fine poetry that will touch the heart of anyone who loves Ayrshire, photos showing the county of Ayr in bygone days and the story of how a rural community coped with its own industrial revolution.

Born at industrial Waterside, Matthew Anderson had a short childhood and little formal education before going down the mines with his father. But his wasn"t to be a life spent in darkness; rather he would cast a poetic light on the lives of the people he lived amongst.

Aged 18 he told his father he would go underground no more. After stints at sea in the Royal Marine Artillery, a period in his life of which he was fiercely proud, Anderson settled down to a career in the Ayrshire Constabulary. The 'P"leesman' had a privileged position in the community and he recorded what he saw with humour, incisive wit and great sensitivity.

With the encouragement of the Policeman-poet"s family Donald L Reid has gathered together a wealth of facts about Anderson"s life. But, as the poet once commented in a poem about the 1921 Miners" strike of 1921 in Dalmellington, the gift of a pair of socks held a special affection for him

A Present frae a miner"s wife,

In this great time o" labour strife,

When bitterness is far too rife,

Is really good.

It brings new hope into life,

That mak"s me prood.

Which is why as well as the facts, Reid has given us a fulsome collection of Anderson"s poems to help us get to the very spirit of a man who was a mainstay of his community and constant supporter of the underdog.

This volume won"t just appeal to Ayrshire folk; it should warm the heart of anyone who appreciates beauty amidst adversity. He was the father of 13 children and moved house on six different occasions, and yet his love of home, family, friends, the police service and people around him wherever he served, shines out like a beacon.

Retiring after 36 years service in 1923 it would be 25 years later when the high esteem in which he was held was evident in that large deputations of Kilmarnock Burgh Police and Ayrshire Constabulary, lined the way to his final resting place in Kilmarnock in 1948. His six small volumes of poems and pros are sought-after by collectors to this day.

The author, who followed Matthew Anderson"s footsteps as an Ayrshire bobby, has dedicated the royalties to the local branch of The Retired Police Officers (Scotland) Association.

Only 600 numbered and signed copies are available, so if you would like to discover Matthew Anderson, Ayrshire"s Policeman-poet, send a cheque or postal order for £10 to Donald Reid, 7 Manuel Avenue, Beith, KA13 1BJ. Telephone 01505-503801 or e mail donaldleesreid@hotmail.com

Follow @cumnockchron

Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our News archives.