Preston born Poet recalls life in the 1970's and beyond

Nostalgia is a beautiful thing. It can evoke memories of time gone by when life was simple and enjoyable. If you’re a creative person you can interpret your past into compelling readings in the form of poetry. 

 

Preston born poet Darren Hobson has lived in Italy since 1998 but he still returns to Preston to visit family. His youth was spent in the Lancashire city and he has compiled a collection of poetry that depicts his time there in the 1970s and beyond. 

 

Three distinct locations feature in his work, including:-

‘Hill Road South’ - documents his journey from living in Penwortham as child to coming back there as an adult and living in The Maltings via a derelict house in Avenham. 

 

‘Bent Lane Rec’ - records the story of how he get hideously drunk and caused chaos at the Leyland rec now known as Strawberry Valley Park. He also writes about getting barred from the Eagle and Child and coming into conflict with a bouncer at The Warehouse. 

 

Darren recalls his love of Preston and the absence of places in the current climate,

 

“The Preston I loved was back in 1993. I was always around the Dog and Partridge in Friargate and the New Brit round the corner. The Gatsby was a stone’s throw away and it was rock night on a Friday night. 

 

Now when I visit, I feel like a ghost and I mention this in some way in my poems. All the places I went to have changed or closed. I worked for Leyland Bus and Benson’s Crisps, both of which have now closed. The cinemas on Fishergate, numerous pubs, Fishwick Buses, the old indoor market - all gone. 

 

I’ve been working at home since March 2020 due to Covid-19, which again links me back to Penwortham, when I was closed in at The Maltings, searching for an escape. Life goes around in circles”. 

 

If you would like to read collection of Darren’s work please log onto the following website:-https://darrenhobsonpoet.com/poetry/

 

Preston born poet Darren Hobson has published new work that shares his memories of growing up in and around the city during the 1970s and beyond. 

 

^Alex Ashworth CCG Art Blogger