Open Writing

…One night I went to bed. I awoke the next morning with the wow factor I had a heart full of what I thought was just a load of happiness, but then as the day went on I realised it was
God. I’m sure people thought I’d gone mad but I couldn’t stop telling people about Him….

After years of law-breaking Ronnie Cook finally gains peace of mind and discovers his true “home’’ in Christianity.

Earlier chapters of Ronnie’s inspirational story can be read by clicking on I Didn’t Belong in the menu on this page. Ronnie’s book is available from www.amazon.co.uk Type his name in the Amazon search box.

Continue reading "21 - Reading The Signposts" »

Written by Ronnie Cook - Published at 11:22 AM | Permalink

…It was during that period of my life I think God shone a light on me for a good, honest, full-blooded Christian to seek out, I think of it as my own personal homing device for someone to find…

A young girl full of confidence and charm shows up in Ronnie Cook’s troubled life with the words “Hi. My name’s Nicki and God sent me.”

Ronnie’s wonderful life story, I Didn’t Belong, charts his turbulent voyage from darkness into light. The inspirational book is available from www.amazon.co.uk Type Ronnie’s name in the Amazon search box.

Continue reading "Chapter Nineteen - Changes" »

Written by Ronnie Cook - Published at 10:28 AM | Permalink

…The only way I knew how to behave in Doncaster was to be a member of my family and therefore a crook…

Despite his very best intentions Ronnie Cook finds it very hard to lead a law-abiding life.

Ronnie’s story of his journey from darkness to redemption, I Didn’t Belong, has received world-wide publicity. You can buy a copy from www.amazon.co.uk Type Ronnie’s name in the Amazon search box.

Continue reading "A Promise To God" »

Written by Ronnie Cook - Published at 11:14 AM | Permalink

There are immense strains on Ronnie Cook’s marriage. Eventually he and his wife split up, and Ronnie ends up in a psychiatric unit.

Ronnie’s account of his progress from law-breaking to a law-abiding useful life is inspirational. His book I Didn’t Belong is available from amazon.co.uk Type Ronnie’s name in the Amazon search box.

Continue reading "Chapter Eighteen - The Brain" »

Written by Ronnie Cook - Published at 10:22 AM | Permalink

Ronnie Cook gets a steady job in Swanage, marries and tries to settle down. But there are new problems…

Ronnie’s book, I Didn’t Belong, an inspiring account of his journey from a life of crime to that of a productive citizen and published author, is available from amazon.co.uk Type Ronnie’s name in the Amazon search box.

Continue reading "17 - An Opportunity In Swanage" »

Written by Ronnie Cook - Published at 10:32 AM | Permalink

Ronnie Cook’s mother died while he was serving a twelve month sentence in Ranby Goal. “I was taken to the Doncaster Royal Infirmary complete with handcuffs
to see her before she went as she wouldn’t give in and die until she had seen me. When I had to leave, we got to the downstairs reception and were informed that she had died.

“Now I was in what felt like being back to square one –
nowhere and alone…’’

Ronnie’s harrowing journey led him from a life of crime to enlightenment. It brings encouragement to those who have lost their way, and enlightenment to those who think that hardened criminals are beyond redemption. His book I Didn’t Belong is available from www.amazon.co.uk Type his name in the amazon search box.

Continue reading "Chapter Sixteen - From Ranby To London" »

Written by Ronnie Cook - Published at 11:14 AM | Permalink

...I didn’t care for
one minute about anyone or anything. Eventually I
was apprehended and as was inevitable I ended up
in various gaols up and down the country. I went
to gaols like Strangeways, Armley, Winston Green,
Lancaster, Haverigg and Ranby...

Ronnie Cook is finally released from an approved school, only to end up in deeper trouble.

Ronnie's journey from a life of crime to that of being a steady, productive citizen makes for an inspirational story. His account of this turbulent early years, I Didn't Belong, has been publicised around the world. The book is available from amazon.co.uk Type Ronnie's name in the Amazon search box.

Continue reading "Chapter Fifteen - Living A Double Life" »

Written by Ronnie Cook - Published at 12:14 PM | Permalink

"Whilst on one of my free days, I went to Seaton
Sluice, sat on the top of the cliff and watched the
waves coming in over the rocks. “What peace.” I sat
and had a good think about my future along with
how I ended up in the situation I was in.''

Ronnie Cook is transferred to the Wellesley Nautical School in Northumberland. Ronnie's account of battling through his turbulent, law-breaking early years to find peace, and a meaning to life, is a wonderful, inspirational story. His book I Didn't Belong is available from amazon.co.uk Type his name in the Amazon search box.

Continue reading "Chapter Fourteen - A Visitor From The Past" »

Written by Ronnie Cook - Published at 11:38 AM | Permalink

...I was literally dragged from my bed in my underwear by
two of the biggest policemen I have ever seen,
thrown down each flight of stairs there were from
the seventh floor in Sandbeck House flats, slung
into a waiting police motorway patrol car, driven to
the Doncaster Police station, put in the cells and
told that my injuries, if I complained, were caused
when I tried to escape...

Ronnie Cook is sent to an approved school.

If you think you had a tough start in life, read the story of Ronnie's grim, Dickensian early years, then marvel at what he has achieved. His gripping and inspiring life story I Didn't Belong is available from www.amazon.co.uk Type his name in the Amazon search box.

Continue reading "Chapter 13 - Newton Aycliffe" »

Written by Ronnie Cook - Published at 12:46 PM | Permalink

Ronnie Cook hitches a lift after a night out in Sheffield, then discovers that the car in which he is riding has been stolen. He is arrested and charged, which ends his hopes of a career in the Army.

To read Ronnie's frank and moving account of his turbulent and eventually inspiring life click on I Didn't Belong in the menu on this page. His book is available from www.amazon.co.uk Type Ronnie's name in the Amazon search box.

Continue reading "Chapter Twelve - Plan B" »

Written by Ronnie Cook - Published at 02:02 PM | Permalink

Ronnie Cook is released from a detention centre, then, after a spell as a trainee miner, he signs up to join the army.

Ronnie's inspirational life story brings the great news that success can be achieved, even after the most turbulent childhood. His book, which is being read around the world, is available from amazon.co.uk Type Ronnie's name in the Amazon search box.

Continue reading "Chapter Eleven - The Army Calls" »

Written by Ronnie Cook - Published at 11:04 AM | Permalink

“You will do exactly as you are ordered to without
question and do not think for yourself cause if you
possibly could you wouldn’t be here! And
remember that you will never be able to physically
or mentally be able to beat myself, my staff or the
Government so don’t even try or you will lose. That
much I can guarantee..''

Ronnie Cook faces up to the short sharp shock treatment.

Ronnie's book, I Didn't Belong, can be bought from amazon.co.uk It's a rattling good read! Just type Ronnie's name in the Amazon search box.

Continue reading "Chapter Ten - A Strict Regime" »

Written by Ronnie Cook - Published at 02:04 PM | Permalink

"The following morning I was loaded onto a coach
handcuffed to the seat and taken to Kirklevington
Detention Centre...''

Ronnie Cook is sent for what used to be called the short sharp shock treatment - and finds that life is indeed tough for young wrong-doers sent to Kirklevington.

Ronnie's inspirational story brings the message that a way of life can be changed - that darkness can give way to light.

Do buy Ronnie's book I Didn't Belong. To obtain it type the title in amazon.co.uk

Continue reading "Chapter Nine - Kelvington" »

Written by Ronnie Cook - Published at 12:34 PM | Permalink

Young Ronnie Cook and another lad stole a JCB with the intention of using it to try and knock down a new police station. Despite being punished for this offence, further burglaries and robberies follow on. And now Ronnie is taking drugs...

Ronnie's inspirational and highly-readable book I Didn't Belong, which charts his progress from a life of crime to salvation, is obtainable from amazon.co.uk Type the title in the Amazon search box.

Continue reading "Chapter Eight - Back With Mum" »

Written by Ronnie Cook - Published at 02:04 PM | Permalink

...I honestly do not remember being
taught anything at that school at all with the
exception of how to commit a burglary, and soon
enough I was out to burgle a warehouse, my first
crime that led to a court appearance. Inevitably we
got caught because of the idiot I was with, a bloke
called Arthur who wanted to make a phone call to
his mates from the warehouse to show off...

Ronnie Cook, now in a children's home after being abandoned by his violent Gypsy father, begins a life of crime.

Ronnie's wonderfully well-told life story, I Didn't Belong, describes a harrowing journey from darkness into light. The book is available from www.amazon.co.uk Type it's title in the Amazon search box.

Continue reading "Chapter Seven - New Aunty And Uncle" »

Written by Ronnie Cook - Published at 02:12 PM | Permalink

...After a couple of weeks they
started to be what I thought was being nice to me.
I was given a bed space in one of the dormitories,
which was an unforgettable experience, as during
the day we all conformed to the rigid regime
imposed by Mrs McCabe. But at night, in the
dormitories the children used to sit in bed rocking
and humming or cuddling up to each other for
comfort, or crying all night, even pacing up and
down the room. It was like being in an asylum...

Ronnie Cook's account of his turbulent life, a story of a terrible journey from darkness into light, will find a permanent place in your memory. It is being serialised week by week in Open Writing. If this is your first encounter with Ronnie's story click on I Didn't Belong in the menu on this page for earlier chapters. Ronnie's book is available from amazon.co.uk Type the title in the Amazon search box.

Continue reading "Chapter Six - Stanley House" »

Written by Ronnie Cook - Published at 12:22 PM | Permalink

When he was six years old Ronnie Cook found himself cold and alone, hiding in a hedgerow, having run away from his violent and cruel Gyspy father.

Ronnie's wonderful story of survival and redemption is being serialised in Open Writing. To catch up on earlier chapters click on I Didn't Belong in the menu on this page. The book is available from amazon.co.uk Type the title into the Amazon search box.

Continue reading "Chapter Five - Cold And Alone" »

Written by Ronnie Cook - Published at 12:34 PM | Permalink

...Cold, scared, hungry and all alone. Six years old
no-one to turn to for help, as I was afraid that no
matter who I turned to they would take me to the police
and they would lock me up...

Ronnie Cook, the son of a violent and abusive Gypsy father, finds himelf alone in the world at the age of six.

Ronnie's vivid account of his journey from darkness into light will change the way you think about your life. Follow it week by week in Open Writing. Click on I Didn't Belong in the menu on this page to read earlier chapters.

And do buy Ronnie's book. It is available from www.amazon.co.uk Type I Didn't Belong in the Amazon search box.

Continue reading "Chapter Four - The Forever Day" »

Written by Ronnie Cook - Published at 12:22 PM | Permalink

... For some reason my dad took
things out on me. I found it safer for me to sleep
snuggled up with the dogs on the nights Dad had
gone out, as they would look after me if Dad tried
to hit me...

Ronnie Cook's Gypsy father was a violent, drunken bully. He hit his son so hard with an iron bar that he thought he had killed him.

Ronnie's story of his hellish beginnings and his eventual redemption through faith is one of the most harrowing and uplifiting life stories you are likely to encounter.

Click on I Didn't Belong in the menu on this page to read earlier chapters of Ronnie's supremely inspiring story.Then buy his book, which is available from amazon.co.uk - type the title I Didn't Belong in the Amazon search box.

Continue reading "Back On The Sites" »

Written by Ronnie Cook - Published at 02:14 PM | Permalink

"As we played with our toys and had the
inevitable arguments about who was going to play
with what, Mammy tried to stop us arguing as she
cooked Christmas Dinner, happily singing carols
along to the radio. It was a long time since Mum
was honestly happy, and a nice memory of her.

The worst thing of all happened, my dad turned
up, as usual drunk and in a rage, ranting and
raving, swearing, threatening us kids so that Mum
would react. When she kept her cool trying to avert
more violence, the usual happened. He grabbed me and
slung me across the yard. Mammy snapped and Dad
did his usual, beat my Mum really bad, then went
on to sling our Christmas dinner into the yard, then
continued through the house...''

Ronnie Cook continues his remarkable and inspirational life story, I Didn't Belong, recalling a terrible Christams day during his childhood.

Ronnie's father, a gypsy, was a violent man. The Cook family was treated as social outcasts.

In his teens Ronnie followed a life of crime and ended up in prison, where he was frequently beaten and subjected to bitter prejudice.

After a failed marriage and years of alcohol and drug addiction he joined a Baptist church and dedicated his life to God.

His book is available from amazon.co.uk - type I Didn't Belong in the search box.

Continue reading "Christmas" »

Written by Ronnie Cook - Published at 02:08 PM | Permalink

"My dad, who sometimes went by the name of Danny Cook or Danny Wilson, came from Romany Gypsy Roots. He was a filthy untidy man, not the usual Romany but a very hard-working man.

He was obsessed with money. He told us over and over again, “If you haven’t got money you are a nobody.” He would do things both legally and illegally to obtain it.

He did the usual things gypsies did, horse trading or scrap metal dealing along with a bit of poaching, general thieving, a lot of the times taking us with him to teach us how to survive. Even with his ability to earn money we still lived in total filth and squalor as the money he earned went on his favourite
pastimes - drinking, gambling, and other women.''

Here is the first chapter of Ronnie Cook's turbulent, but ultimately inspiring, life story. Follow the gripping account of his progress from darkness into light. New chapters will be posted in Open Writing on forthcoming Sundays.

Ronnie's book is available from amazon.co.uk Type the title I Didn't Belong in the Amazon search box.

Continue reading "One - Childhood Memories" »

Written by Ronnie Cook - Published at 12:34 PM | Permalink

Today we begin the serialisation of Ronnie Cook's remarkable life story, I Didn't Belong. Ronnie had a violent childhood. His father was abusive. His mother struggled to make a better life for her sons.

Because of their gypsy heritage the family was treated as social outcasts. Ronnie and his brothers were shuffled between gypsy encampments and the homes of various family members.

In his teens he followed a life of crime and ended up in prison, where he was frequently beaten and subjected to bitter prejudice.

After a failed marriage and years of alcohol and drug addiction Ronnie joined a Baptist church and dedicated his life to God.

His book is available from amazon.co.uk - type I Didn't Belong in the search box.

Continue reading "Foreword And Introduction" »

Written by Ronnie Cook - Published at 12:34 PM | Permalink