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WHEN he's not working as a teacher in Plymouth schools, Dan Hartigan has another occupation as an all-round builder and when he's not roofing or plumbing he's writing some of the city's most inspiring poetry.
Dan, who lives in Saltash, has just had his debut collection published by Plymouth-based Shoals of Starlings Press. And as the title suggests, Round the Houses is inspired by Dan's adventures in the building trade with many of the poems based on real houses in real Plymouth locations, and the real people and events that go on in them.
Among Plymouth streets immortalised in verse are Linketty Lane, Fort Austin Avenue and St Paul's Street.
There are also poems inspired by pubs such as The Providence and the Crooked Spire, and other locations such as Higher Brook Lodge.
"They are all about building, roofing, plumbing or garden maintenance," said Dan. "The only one that breaks the theme is Providence.
"It struck me that I was in a unique place to observe and, I guess, make judgments. You are not there to pry but almost have no choice. Taking a roof off you see the number of personal things in someone's attic." Dan has been inspired by the jobs he has done on the houses, and the people he has met in them.
This story is from the March 04, 2023 edition of The Herald.
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This story is from the March 04, 2023 edition of The Herald.
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