It
recounts the tale of a working-class man who has led an extraordinary life of
hard, dangerous work combined with heavy drinking and raucous rugby stories.
His
story encompasses valleys life in south Wales, the rise and fall of coal
mining, toxic masculinity, trade unions and mental health.
Author
Mike Church, said, “My first meeting with Gyp was like being hit by a tsunami
of generosity and warmth, and six years later we’ve produced a book that is a
real treasure trove of tales.
“Researching
this book has been a life-changer for me and I owe Gyp and his community a huge
debt of gratitude for their humour, honesty, and compelling stories.
“The
aim was to collect the memories of miners who are rapidly becoming a dying
breed. This tale tells the story of one such miner but is dedicated to all
those who lost their lives in the hard labour of working underground.”
Gyp
is now a local councillor and runs the local Men’s Shed, which offers refuge
and support to many men in the area.
Any
profits from the book will go to Caerau Men’s Shed and their efforts to get men
talking and improving their mental health.
Author
Mike Church explains further, “In many ways, Gyp sees the Caerau Men’s Shed as
recreating a little bit of that camaraderie of the mines.
“He
knows that since the pits have closed, the valleys have had the stuffing
knocked out of them.
“The
Men’s Shed movement and other voluntary groups like them have sprung up in many
communities to try and offer some hope and some meaning; to try and engender
some form of community spirit.”
In
her review of the book, bestselling novelist, Catrin Collier said, “I’ve never
met ‘Gyp’ but after reading the book, I feel that I know him.
“He
epitomises everything that is fine, strong, true and generous in the Welsh –
along with a little that is downright naughty, possibly even illegal, but never
vicious.”
A Valleys Legend,
published by Y Lolfa on 1 October, and will be available online and in local
book shops for £9.99.
