Childhood memories of Amble recalled in new autobiography

Tom Curry has penned his autobiography titled ‘Wor Tomis the Polis’.

The 71-year-old was inspired to write it after sharing pictures and old tales on the Facebook group Amble in Old Photographs.

He said: “I have said for years, like many, that I will write my autobiography but never did make a start.

“A couple of months ago, I joined a group on Facebook called Amble in Old Photographs.

“I posted a few photos and light-hearted stories and they got a good reaction.

"I decided I had a start of a book and away I went. I completed it in 10 days.”

Publishers told him it was impossible to get it out before Christmas and that perhaps a spring publication was more realistic.

“That didn’t deter me and so I did everything myself, proof-reading, design,” said Tom. "I contacted an online printer and here we are."

The feedback has been encouraging, he says, with the book proving a popular Christmas purchase.

“Amble alone has bought enough books to cover my costs and feedback is brilliant so far,” said Tom.

“Guys like me don't make fortunes on a book but considering I did it alone, compared with others I know, I've got a great start.”

Tom was the first member of his family to break with tradition by not going down the pit.

He grew up in the 1950s and 1960s where he had a basic pit village education and left school at 15 without any academic qualifications.

His early working life was on the railway at Darlington, the birthplace of steam travel but at a time nearing its end, before joining Sussex Police.

He recalls his time as one of the first armed officers with the force, as a gaoler when the UK prisons were overwhelmed, and how his loyalties were tested during the miners’ strike in the 1980s.

The book recounts happy and sad times but is laced with humour and full of fun and anecdotes.

‘Wor Tomis the Polis’ is out now, price £9.99 plus £1.99 p&p, email [email protected]

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