A welder by trade, a poet by inclination, and a familiar voice at events across the Derwent Valley.
Jimmy Anderson of Ebchester, a well-known local poet, commentator and much-loved community character, died on Thursday 13 August 2026.
A skilled welder, Jimmy worked alongside his son James Anderson, repairing and fabricating metalwork.
Beyond his trade, he was renowned throughout the Derwent Valley for his humorous, observant and often thought-provoking poetry, which entertained audiences at countless local events. His wit, his storytelling and his deep affection for the people and places of the area made him a familiar and respected figure whose presence will be greatly missed.
The Old Tup, by Jimmy Anderson
Read it aloud. That is how he meant it.
The old tup looked through the five barred gate and said, “I’ll have you mate! He’s had me shut in this field for weeks. And it’s lonely see when nobody speaks. He’s trimmed my feet and trimmed my coat and hung a marker around my throat, ready for the joyful day he’ll open that gate and I’m away. A month of waiting every night… I’ll give them ewes a hell of a fright.”
The big day came and out he went and said to the ewes, “Now I’ve been sent to satisfy your wild desires, keep you active; set you on fire.”
But in a day or two he started to slow and started to lose that rosy glow. His poor old feet were giving him hell and he wasn’t feeling all that well.
The farmer said with a mournful face, “That fellow’s not going to last the pace. We’ll pull him out before he dies, send him to the mart and make some pies.”
So lads take heed of the old tup’s fate. Don’t leave your action until it’s too late, for like the tup we tend to slow.
When you’re getting old don’t try too hard or you’ll end like the tup in the knackers’ yard.
By Jimmy Anderson
Tribute by Paul Heatherington
From the archive
Consett Magazine first told Jimmy’s story in 2020, when he was 85: Born to be Wild: “Jimmy” Anderson.
Published 5 April 2020. Words and photographs by Debbie Todd. Tap any photograph to read the original article.
