To have my first unself-published [sorry. ugly word] poetry collection produced by Valley Press, ‘Some Things Matter’ in 2012, aged 63 felt like a momentous occasion. I had every confidence it would be my swansong, my one off publication, and I would be grateful for that. But it directly led to my collaboration with Matthew Hedley Stoppard, ‘Cinema Stories’. Valley Press [2015]. where in a series of poems we celebrated the many cinemas and picture-houses of Leeds. And then three more volumes of sonnets. Jamie McGarry, brilliant founder of Valley Press said early on in our collaboration that I seemed to produce another book every three years. Oddly I took this as a challenge and am soon to welcome my fifth physical collection from them at the age of seventy-five.
It might be appropriate to thank Valley Press for their belief in this knackered old poet, and helping me establish myself so firmly as a writer. Your brilliant editorial work, great design and impeccable taste have contributed so much to any success I may have had.
