Author publishes new book of poetry and illustrations inspired by Southport’s past

A local author with a passion for Southport history has published his new book. 

Michael Walshe has penned Sandy Tracks, Volume One – A Poetical and Illustrated Journey Through Southport’s Past. 

The work is a unique collection of local history themed poems and paired illustrations which includes a well-researched historical notes section at the rear, providing a more in-depth look at the subject matter.

Author David Walshe has been submitting poetry since 2019 and has previously featured both online and in print by publishers including Black Bough Poetry and the Southport-based The Broken Spine Artist Collective. 

He also manages a brilliant Twitter account called ‘Secret Sand Land’ (@hiddensouthport) where he tweets local history snippets on a daily basis and publishes monthly local history blogs which can be read on his website secretsandland.co.uk.

The illustrations have been completed by his brother Michael Walshe, whose work, seen here, has helped to bring the past to life. 

Michael’s other artwork can be viewed on Instagram under mikewalshe.art. 

The book can be purchased for £10 per copy via the website secretsandland.co.uk or at Broadhurst’s bookshop on Market Street in Southport town centre. Alternatively for a local collection / delivery you can email David directly at secretsandland@gmail.com or by sending a direct message to his Twitter account. 

The book will also be available to purchase from David himself this Saturday (18th September) at St John’s Church, on Rufford Road in Crossens, as part of its North West Heritage Scarisbrick Family Mausoleum Open Day. 

At the event, inside the church, David will have some rare images of Crossens on display, including a painting which he doubts has been seen in public in Southport since the mid 1870s. More details can be found here. 

https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/visiting/event/scarisbrick-mausoleum-open-day

The new book has already enjoyed some warm plaudits from local literary figures. 

Local poet and writer Mary Earnshaw said: “This fascinating mix of poetry, fact and legend contains plenty to surprise even the most knowledgeable of Southport residents – but its appeal is not only local. David has an insight born of deep connection to place and his ancestry in this once unknown spot on the North West coast.”

Local historian Michael Braham said: “This is a must read for all those interested in Southport’s rich heritage. David has the rare ability to paint poetic word pictures of the Southport of yesteryear, coupled with skilfully crafted illustrations.”

Phil McNulty, editor of The Fringe Poetry Magazine, said: “Sandy Tracks is a startling literary and artistic creation. It is classical in its ambition to both uplift and educate and is an invariable contribution to understanding local history and dialect. There is wonderful synthesis between the very fine poetry, the exquisitely restrained illustrations, and the succinct historical research.

“I could not put this book down. You will return to it again and again.”