AN acclaimed local author has penned a biographical novel detailing life growing up in 1960s and 1970s Furness.
The novel is Walney resident and retired shift draftsman Stan Henderson’s fourth text focussing on mid-twentieth century Barrow.
Entitled ‘Growing up in Hindpool’, the book delves into tales of friends, family members and notable characters Mr Henderson grew up alongside.
The 70-year-old revealed he had always been fascinated with the area since an early age.
He said: “I was shocked to find out no one had written a book about the place.
“I wrote my first book about the steelworks in 2015 and followed it up two years later with another one.
“Initially it was a sort of hobby at first and then became something more.
“I only got into writing aged 65 once I was retired and had the time to do it.”
Mr Henderson said the idea for ‘Growing up in Hindpool’ arose from his previous works.
He said: “When you’re researching a book, it’s surprising how much doesn’t go into the final work so that’s how this book on Hindpool came about, it was a natural progression.
“The problem I had was that other people had written works on Hindpool and from their personal experience too.”
Mr Henderson, who began writing in his retirement aged 65, calls his latest work a ‘factual trip through the local history of Hindpool’.
He said: “It takes the reader along through my family history and personal experience growing up among the Hindpool community.
“It is a factual book which took about two years to write.
“Overall it was a very enjoyable process which I really enjoyed being a part of.”
Mr Henderson said he has no plans to pen another novel.
He added: “That’s the fourth and final one unless I wake up with a brilliant idea.”
The author will describe his latest work at a launch event in the Barrow Archive and Local Studies Centre, in Barrow’s Ramsden Square library, from 7pm on Wednesday, April 17.
There will also be a display of archive material relating to Hindpool by archivist Susan Benson.
You can book a free place by calling 01229 407377, or send an email to barrow.archives@cumbria.gov.uk
There will also be a book-signing event at Heaths, on Dalton Road from 11am until 12pm on April 20.
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