A long-serving Falmouth Docks employee who became known as "The Dockyard Bard" for his poetry has turned author with the publication of his first book, wholly in aid of Cancer Research UK.

During his 30+ years at the yard, Nick Castle wrote numerous commemorative poems for retiring colleagues and other special occasions. More recently, he has supplied regular "Tales From The Dockyard" contributions to the blog published by retired Cornish journalist Mike Truscott.

These became so popular that several readers suggested he should make a book out of them. This Nick has now done – with specially extended versions of his blog articles plus a collection of all-new "tales."

The book of the same title is testament to his seemingly inexhaustible supply of insightful and entertaining memories and anecdotes reflecting life "on the inside" at Falmouth Docks over three decades.

"It is essentially a scrapbook of memories and associated stories," says Nick. "I have reflected on the way things were at the yard and some of the events that have taken place through to my later years, plus a few things from further afield that link to Falmouth in some way.

"For those who weren't there, I'm hoping it will provide an insight into the changes that have taken place in industry, employment, and social etiquette over the years covered."

Nick, formerly of Penryn and now living in France with his wife Ali, has enhanced the book's appeal with a number of original poems to accompany his chapters.

As with Mike's local interest books, for which Nick has also supplied original poetry, "Tales From The Dockyard" is a strictly limited edition, price £4.95, and available only through the Cancer Research shop in Market Street, Falmouth, over the counter or by mail order: tel 01326 212905, email [email protected].

Nick started out as apprentice fitter at the Docks in September, 1976, and was one of 12 apprentices retained on the depleted workforce after the threatened closure in 1979. He completed his apprenticeship in September, 1980, and was then accepted by P&O to go to sea, only for a national seamen's strike to preclude the necessary registration.

Then a devastating rugby injury in December of that year changed things altogether, with a 14-month spell at Stoke Mandeville Hospital. Falmouth yard managing director Dennis Pascoe visited him there and promised:

"Whatever sort of recovery you make, we'll find something useful for you to do."

Nick returned to work in August, 1982, and Dennis, true to his word, placed him in the commercial department. There he was mostly involved in estimating, including the development of a computerised estimating system. Nick retired in 2009.