A Kington lorry driver, who has been out of work for almost a year after being made redundant has discovered an unknown talent for writing – and has published two books of his own poetry.
Derek Blunn, known as Blunders, had been a truck driver for 33 years and decided to try his hand at writing poetry, inspired by his experiences of unemployment since May 2009, after finding it hard to get a job.
Derek, 55, who has no formal qualifications after leaving school at a young age and settling in one job, discovered his writing skills after getting involved in the ‘Start Right Here’ project based at Marches Access Point in Kington.
The project provides support to people who are unemployed or lack basic qualifications to improve their skills and boost their confidence.
He received support and training in areas including how to use computers, searching the internet and how to improve English language skills.
The sessions were carried out on a one-to-one basis, which allowed Derek’s confidence to grow and gave him the motivation needed to explore new routes to employment.
Now Derek’s first two books of poetry Last Roses and The Pink Daffodil about his life and experiences are available and he has already set to work on follow-up books.
Derek had a passion for writing before starting the project, but didn’t believe his poems were good enough to progress any further.
He finally plucked up the courage to show his poetry to Emma, the training manager, who believed he had great potential and put him forward for computer training to help develop his writing and overcome the difficulties he faced with spelling.
Derek said: “The team at Start Right Here has really helped to develop my self-esteem and the skills I have learnt have allowed me to turn my life around.
“Getting my book published has given me such a boost of confidence and hopefully, one day, I will write books and become an author. The project has allowed me to do something I am passionate about and I feel like I have a new lease of life due to the training and support I have received.
“My poems are honest and humorous although there are some deep bits and they tell about my life, my dog Buster, my blunders and all my disasters.
“Hopefully, I will be able to make a career out of writing poetry. I am hoping to get sponsorship or a publishing deal.”
Derek has also been working towards GCSE level maths and English, something he would never have had the confidence to do before joining the project.
The project has provided support to more than 30 beneficiaries in Kington, after receiving £11,808 from the Community Grants Scheme, which is backed by the Learning and Skills Council’s and West Midlands Leaders Board’s regional European Social Fund (ESF) programme. All of those who took part in the project have moved on to further learning.
Emma Phillips, community training manager, said: “Many people who are unemployed or low skilled find their confidence levels are poor, which can often mean they haven’t got the motivation they need to apply for jobs or training placements. The ‘Start Right Here’ project tackles this issue, by providing one-to-one support and equipping them with vital skills which helps to boost their confidence and self-esteem.
For more information about the Start Right Here project, call Emma on (01544) 231771.
Derek’s books can be ordered through MAP Kington, combbacks are £6.50 with £1 postage and packing, or a paperback version costs £10 with £1 postage and packing.
Derek will soon have a website but in the meantime to contact him, email blundersbard@myguide.net