The Poetry and Art of Retirement

About the Book

This is the survivors guide to retirement. John Ledgerton’s honest and refreshing backward look at his life and the way he has managed to make a triumph out of retirement is a must read for anyone who has just got the travel pass and is a bit unsure of which bus to catch in the momentous journey before them. John’s first book is a candid exploration of his own life and the way he has capitalised on his skills to enjoy living. It is a combination manual on, how to paint, how to write poetry, how to articulate how you feel, how to enjoy the world you live in, all rolled up into what constantly comes through as someone who says “I am not going to lie down and roll over because I am retired, there is a lot more I can do and so much more to enjoy so share it with me and let me show you how.” John Ledgerton definitely ‘did it his way’ and if you pick up this refreshing book and let John guide you in what you may feel is a lonely and uncertain path into retirement I can assure you … you will never walk alone. Good luck with the book John… It gave me tremendous inspiration - Rog Roger Cliffe-Thomson Arts and Learning Coordinator DADAFest Liverpool

About the Author

John Ledgerton is a husband, father, grandfather, painter and decorator, trade unionist, social activists, poet, writer, painter, and artist. John grew up in Liverpool and returned to Merseyside after a short period living in Australia in the 70’s, and continues his love of people, Liverpool and Liverpool Football Club. John is a committed socialist and altruist, and used his activist’s endeavour to establish and run a mentally handicapped youth club in Wallasey for many years, as well as being an active trade unionist – from ferrying fly pickets in the 70’s, to supporting the miners in the 80’s, and a campaigning shop steward until his retirement. Since retiring he has become a published poet, and successful artist resulting from his own exhibitions, and has donated several pieces to local galleries and hospitals. Further to his exploits in this book, and his assertions that anything is possible in retirement, in 2013 (aged 72) he graduated from The University Of Liverpool with a BA (Hons) degree in Irish History and Literature. He still lives quietly with his wife Lily in Wallasey, Merseyside. HYPERLINK "mailto:dadledge@yahoo.com" dadledge@yahoo.com