Derek Sim – poet -
was born at Hexham and lived in the North East all of his life.
He first began writing poetry many years ago when I was still at school, and although I wrote poems on and off, the turning point came to me when my father died unexpectedly. I felt I needed to express the feelings and emotions I was going through. I found writing poetry gave me a release; it was something that I could write from my heart, without having to paste a smile on for others to see. And now, forty years later, the passion I have for my poems is stronger than ever.
He is now employed as a driver for WCF Fuels North East. He regularly drives through the countryside and seeing the land before him, it has a huge impact on his inspiration.
He’s met many interesting people throughout his life, some have touched me more than others, and from the farmer with the ‘bale a twine’ belt, to the huntsman on horseback, he finds the people of Tynedale fascinating. Often a phrase or something someone has said sparks his inspiration.
His collection of poetry is continually growing as they are all based around things in his life. His first book ” By The Way …” is now available from The Allendale Forge Studios Book Shop.