A Bankfoot-born poet with a lifetime’s worth of knowledge of his village is hoping to find a publisher for his new book which reflects on the area back to the Middle Ages.
Thomas Brown (76) has lived in the village all his life and hopes his new write-up ‘A History of Auchtergaven’ can reveal more of the area’s fascinating history.
The former employee at the Luncarty Bleachworks has been working on the book throughout 2022 and is his fifth one overall.
His first edition ‘Reflections’ came out 47 years ago way back in 1975, which was followed up three years later with ‘Summer Paths Autumn Ways’.
He then completed ‘Poems of Bankfoot’ in 2018 and ‘Unto the Hills’ in 2020.
His writings have even been enjoyed by the Royal family, as Thomas has sent his own poems on anniversaries and special occasions over the past four decades, including this year’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
Thomas says he has received many letters of thank you from the Queen in return for sharing his writings with them.
And now he is hopeful his latest venture can find a publisher with a more localised reach.
“There has never been a book about the history of Bankfoot like this and I just feel now, after all that time, there should be a book,” Thomas said.
“There is a great history in the area.
“For instance, a linen and jute factory started and was run here in Bankfoot and not everybody knows that.
“The book is called A History of Auchtergaven and includes the parish, Bankfoot and everything surrounding.
“There are poems from four other poets from the area, including Robert Nicholl and William Robertson, with 45 pictures including the railway station and the factory.
“The book traces back to medieval times, when the druids that lived in the area brought the coming of local Christianity.”
He added: “I approached a few publishers just for it to be released in the Perth and Kinross area, but I have had no success so far.
“One publisher was interested in it at first but then they backed out.
“It was quite a disappointment for me.
He added: “I have been writing poems and letters to local and national newspapers for the past 45 years.
“I have written 50 poems published in newspapers.
“I have gifted books to Perth Royal Infirmary, primary schools and many local people in the past.
“So I would like to find a publisher for the book, maybe one in Perth and Kinross.”
