Warm-hearted novel Grockle mirrors author’s early experiences in North Devon

Proceeds from a local author’s debut novel following the experiences of a ‘grockle’ living in North Devon will be donated towards research into Alzheimer’s disease, a cause close to his heart.

Set in 1974, Grockle follows the story of a fugitive from London moving to North Devon and being charmed by the region, mirroring the real life experiences of author Barry Dowding, who now lives in Braunton.

The fictional visitor is so charmed by the lives of the characters within the villages and towns at that time, that the experiences become life changing.

It reflects Barry’s own fond memories of moving to the region in 1973, which he says was very different to today, especially Barnstaple.

He said: “The population of course was so much lower with a greater number of indigenous Devonians, and the streets were full of wonderful if eccentric characters with lyrical accents.

“If you can, try to imagine a North Devon pre Link Road, with no Taw Bridge, no Green Lanes, Shapland & Petter as the biggest employer, trains running between Bideford and Barnstaple along what is now the Tarka trail, no Roundswell development and so on.

“My memories of the atmosphere then, coupled with my memory of 1974 being a turbulent time in the UK, together with that of London, where I came from, gelled into the story.” 

Barry, now aged 81, began writing the novel in 2021, the year his wife Sylvia was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and he continued writing while being her sole carer until his first novel was published in August this year.

He plans to donate any profits from sales of the book to research into the disease, which is progressive and has no cure, with symptoms including memory loss, mood changes and confusion.

Barry said: “I was aware something was wrong before, but my wife Sylvia was diagnosed with the disease in January 2021. As the sole carer, which eventually became total care, I was determined that she stayed at home.

“As you can imagine, at first it was very difficult dealing with the changes, emotional as well as physical but time created an acceptance that has made the caring role a daily routine.

“During all of this, writing helped me enormously in that when time permitted, it provided a separate and positive outlet to concentrate on.  

“Alzheimer's is such a terrible disease that I can't imagine anyone that has to watch a person they know well, or love who physically changes little but, in every other, respect slowly disappears in front of them would not hesitate in trying to do something to help lessen its effects and possible help cure the disease.”

Barry has lived in Barnstaple and Croyde but has now lived in Braunton for some time. At 65 he retired as a sales manager for a national company and started an event filming business, filming private, public and commercial events throughout the South West until 2020. 

You can read more about Grockle and purchase a copy via https://www.grocklepress.com

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