I told ’em Oldham has nothing to do with it...

POETS David Marland (left) and Jim Wild with their new book

Local link was pure coincidence for poet pair

A PAIR of local writers have joined forces with a former Oldhamer now working as a publisher in Scotland to spearhead a poetry revolution.

David Marland and Jim Wild, from Royton, have been writing poems as a hobby for years, but neither dreamed they would ever see their works published.

But their break came from Aberdeen-based Cauliay Publishing, run by Roundthorn-born writer-turned-publisher Michael Molden.

Neither of the men knew about Michael’s Oldham connection when they were asked to contribute to the anthology of poems called “Poets Centre Stage Volume Two”, but now they have been given their break they are raring to go.

Popular

David (38), of Westminster Avenue, said: “I have been writing poems for my daughters for about five years, but I didn’t think about trying to get published until I read one of them to my daughter’s class and the teacher was really impressed with the quality of my work.”

Around 15 of David’s works will appear in the book and he says that his work centres on poems for children with a positive message.

He said: “I happened upon the details for Cauliay publishing on the internet and sent some stuff through and they asked me to write some more.

“It’s a complete fluke that Michael is from Oldham. I’d never have guessed he was from my home town because the company is based in Scotland. I’m hoping that this will be a first step because I’d love to make a career out of poetry.”

Jim (68) draws on his own experiences in caring for his late wife Hilary as she battled Alzheimer’s to create powerful and moving poems.

The former sales manager, from Glen Grove, said: “Me and Hilary and our daughter had always written poems for fun, but when Hilary became ill my output increased.

“I would go and sit with her in the nursing home and wouldn’t get any reaction for hours. It was very difficult, so I would pour my emotions out in poetry.

“I found the Cauliay website and sent a few samples in and they got back in touch and asked me to write 15 pieces for the book. I just assumed Michael must be Scottish since he was based in Aberdeen!”

Michael moved from Oldham to Scotland where he began working as a novelist before setting up Cauliay Publishing.

He said: “Taken at face value, it would appear that there is a little nepotism going on but anyone who understands the selection process for an anthology like this will tell you that all the poets have won their place on merit and hard work.” 

* David and Jim will be signing copies of the anthology at Waterstones, Oldham, on Saturday between noon and 2pm.