THE SQUARE AND COMPASS: a Cycle of Poems as Song Lyrics for St Mary’s Island and its Surrounds, by Gordon Phillips with John Bushby. Published by Bates Island Press, Newcastle (tel: 0191-274 7803). CD and booklet £17 (incl p&p).

THE booklet of poems and CD of accompanying songs have as their inspiration the history and times of the lighthouse island near Whitley Bay. The title refers to the local name given to the island’s pub in the 19th century and subjects featured include brandy smuggling, a grisly murder, pirates and shipwrecks.

Gordon’s poems have been published and recorded both nationally and internationally. John, a musician on string and woodwind instruments, has been involved with the folk music scene for over 25 years as a performer and composer.