Kenny (left) with Brian Windwood
After an eventful life as a roofer, steeplejack both here and abroad and achieving black belt status in martial arts, Kenny Gatenby from Newton Aycliffe suddenly discovered he could write poetry!
Three years ago he was walking round Darlington and came across a man in the street who was obviously disasdvantaged and in a very bad situation.
When Kenny got home he sat and wrote his first poem in just 45 minutes based on what he had seen, hoping it would hit home to whoever read his work.
This is the basis of all his poems in a collection just released, based on real life topics such as drugs, poverty and prostitution. His poetry makes a statement on life hoping it will dissuade people from the paths they have chosen.
Sponsored by his friend, local businessman Brian Windwood of Digiprint the 32 page booklet is on sale for £2.50, available from Newton Press offices and direct from Kenny on 07967 709015. Profits from the books go to Cancer Research. Kenny is currently working on his second book.
He is typical of a self taught, late starter whose life would have been much different with the benfit of opportunity. He was good at music and art but his family could not afford to send him to College.
Kenny is married to Lisa and they have four children and three grandsons. Two years ago he was injured and required major brain surgery from which he has nearly fully recovered, thanks to the brilliance of surgeons at James Cook Hospital.
Kenny plays guitar and harmonica with the ambition of joining a Blues Band. If any reader has similar goals he would love to meet up and talk about forming a group in the town.
