A Ticket Out: From The Steelworks To The Black Stump

'A Ticket Out' offers the reader a glimpse of what it was like to be a 'steelworks spark' in south Wales during the 1970's.

Giving us a flavour of a culture and way of life now gone forever. Steve reveals insights into the aspirations which young men held on to while working in such a hostile and dismal environment. This is the true story of one young tradesman who loves his job - but dreams of so much more...

Steve was born and raised in southeast Wales. He served four years as an electrical apprentice in Panteg special steels plant, Pontypool. This was followed by a further eight years as an electrician on D shift. An honest reflection of working life in heavy industry in post-war Britain. But this is only the beginning of the journey for Steve who, like many Brits at the time, was looking for adventure and 'A Ticket Out'.

Emigration to Australia was followed by learning to sail, travels to Tahiti and Fiji and also a chance meeting in Samoa with famous rugby legend 'Inga the Winger' Tuigamala, who became a friend. The work is a fusion, with narration supported and enhanced by carefully selected poetic works; bringing the reader closer to the lived experiences of the author.