02/05/2026
May is Local Community History Month and we are proud to share this story to mark the occasion.
Passing on the lessons we learn through life - the people we meet, the places we see, and the wanderings along the way - is important to many of us. But Derek Hinchliffe took his love of storytelling one step further, writing two memoirs that captured meaningful tales of local life, ranging from humorous to poetic.
After a teaching career at the end of which he was Headteacher at Brampton Ellis CE School in Rotherham, Derek sought a new way to support the community after taking early retirement in the mid-1980s. Derek retrained as a Methodist minister - a vocation he cherished for more than 15 years, and a natural progression after being a local preacher most of his adult life. During this time, Derek ministered to a number of patients at what was then newly-opened Barnsley Hospice, becoming a regular visitor in the late 1990s.
So when it came to publishing his two books in the early 2000s, it was no surprise to his friends and family that he chose to support the hospice through the proceeds from the book sales.
Sadly, Derek died in 2012, though his connection to the hospice remains as strong as ever. His son, Paul, is now Chair of the Board of Trustees, volunteering his time to support the work we do.
According to Paul, the lessons his dad shared, including the importance of community, and of service, helped guide him to join as a trustee when he himself retired three years ago.
Paul said, “Dad's second book was titled 'Ocean of Life' - a phrase which captures the challenges and experiences we all share through the journey of life. It is a collection of many stories which had deep meaning for him, and some for me too. During a recent clear-out at home, I found a box of the very few remaining unsold copies of this book, and as I am now Chair of the Board of Trustees, it seemed only right that we should sell these remaining copies to raise more funds for the hospice. Perhaps the book should have a second title - 'Circle of Life', as it seems that life has come full circle! I hope people will enjoy reading these stories and will take something from them."
This , we are celebrating Derek, Paul, and all of our wonderful community who go above and beyond to ensure the hospice is not only an important part of local history, but a beacon of hope for years to come.
You can purchase Derek’s second book, Ocean of Life, from the hospice reception for a suggested minimum donation of £10.
