Dublin boy Rob moves from Elvis to poetry

A DUBLIN-born former Elvis impersonator now living in Minehead is hoping to make a new life for himself as a poet and novelist.
And already, Rob Brennan (pictured with framed letter from Tony Blair) has seen a poem published and has been officially acknowledged by Prime Minister Tony Blair and Liverpool Football Club.
Rob, aged 43, who lives in Glenmore Road, was forced to give up his life as an entertainer after 20 years because he suffered from a muscle-wasting disorder.
He then took up writing as a hobby and is currently studying English at Bridgwater College’s Minehead centre.
Rob, who also writes song lyrics, told The Crier: “When one door closes, another door opens, and I have had to redirect my life.
“I love writing now and I am beginning to get somewhere with it and people are starting to take notice.
“With my disability and the pain I suffer at the moment I sometimes wake up at two or three o-clock in the morning and so I started writing a novel as well.
“But I need to attract some sponsors to help because living on my disability money does not leave enough to pay for things like legal copyright services.”
Rob’s published poem, entitled ‘Questioning Faith’ came fourth in a national magazine competition which attracted 60,000 entries and has been included in a book called ‘Home Thoughts’.
He wrote a poem about the MBE being awarded to Steven Gerrard, who is captain of his favourite football club, Liverpool, and sent a copy to the club and received a letter of thanks.
More recently, Rob also sent Tony Blair a poem written about the Marines and Royal Navy personnel who were being held captive in Iran, and he has received an official letter from the Prime Minister which he has framed.
Having moved to live in Minehead, Rob said his life changed for the better when he met a woman from Porlock who helps care for him in his illness.
He said: “I am an original kid from the back streets of Dublin who has fallen in love with a beautiful woman and a beautiful area in which to live.”
In the summer, Rob hopes to take part in the Regal Theatre’s annual talent competition with a song he has written called ‘All the Time’ and with the help of musicians Karel, Linden, and Emily, who represent the Beach Bar.
Anybody who is interested in sponsoring Rob can write to him at 4 Glenmore Road, Minehead.

Photo submitted.

Triathlon needs a £700 business sponsor

SPONSORS are being sought by West Somerset Council’s leisure team for one of the district’s top sporting events, the Minehead Triathlon, which is to be held at Aquasplash on July 22.
Leisure officer Matt Stevens, who organises the event, said: “This year we are offering a great package for a main sponsor as well as our usual packages for support sponsors.
“The main sponsor’s name will be used in conjunction with the event name in all publicity linked to the triathlon and will also feature on the front of the athletes’ shirts so it is a fantastic opportunity - all for a very reasonable £700.”
It is the third year the council has organised the popular event, which centres around the Aquasplash pool and gym complex.
The triathlon combines a swimming challenge, a cycle race to Porlock and back, and running to and from Dunster Beach.
Mr Stevens said: “There is still plenty of space for our other sponsors with prices ranging from £50 to £400 with businesses’ logos appearing on the back of athletes’ shirts.
“All sponsors get mentioned on the website, in advertising, and in the race pack handed out to competitors on the day.”
The council’s leisure, culture, and recreation portfolio holder, Councillor Keith Ross, said: “This is great value-for-money advertising for local businesses.
“The triathlon has gone from strength to strength. It had 156 entrants two years ago, 186 last year, and we are pretty sure we can secure a capacity field of 200 competitors this year.
“Not only does the triathlon bring these competitors, who may never have otherwise visited the area, to West Somerset, it also brings their families and supporters so it is fantastic for the local economy.
“I hope local businesses will support this event because it brings a lot of good publicity and custom to Minehead.”
Anybody wanting to sponsor the triathlon should contact Matt Stevens on 01643 703704 or email mstevens@westsomerset.gov.uk.