I
am a shy person; anyone who knows me will vouch for that. However, I
have always been interested in writing. It took me fifty-five years to
put pen to paper as it were. I was born in Barnsley in the late forties
and of course, being brought up in a mining village (Brierley) it was
only a matter of time before I followed my dad and granddad underground.
I left Brierley Grimethorpe Secondary Modern School (Now Willowgarth)
and started work at Ferrymoor pit. Attending Hemsworth Mining College
was part of the training to enable all young miners to work underground.
It was a time in my life that I can look back on with fond memories and
of course I met many good friends. I worked in the mines for a few years
and then the 'Wonder Lust' hit me (as I suppose it did all the young
lads in those days), so I decided to join the army. I served nine years
in the army including a stint in Northern Ireland. When I left I settled
in North Yorkshire with my first wife and two children. I returned to
the mining industry and worked in the Selby coalfield (once a miner,
always a miner). I became a member of the Mines Rescue Team enjoying my
training at Wakefield. During my time as a miner and Rescue Man I worked
at various collieries and met many fine men. I finally left North
Yorkshire and returned to the Barnsley area (Grimethorpe), back to my
roots as they say. I visit Brierley regularly to visit my youngest
brother Gary. We enjoy a laugh and I catch up with all the latest
gossip. Gary is a well-known member of the community and works
tirelessly to keep good old Brierley on the map. Anyway, that's enough
about me. If you like a laugh or a lump in your throat, I can only say,
read my poems. You will not be disappointed.
To
those around the world that know me, I wish you and yours all the very
best. God Bless you all. Regards Alan
Geoffrey Sheard
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