As Writer-In-Residence, Joel not only produced original work inspired by historical research, but collaborated with other artists and writers, worked to develop local talent through writers’ groups and schools and organised Word Furnace – a monthly live literature event at The Core. The project culminated in a weekend-long celebration in July 2011, when the town centre was taken over by Our Corby performances, screenings and events.

Below are some of the poems he produced as part of this residency, inspired by archive photographs and oral history.