Alastair Simms

Alastair David Simms (born 1963) is one of the last remaining master coopers in England.

Early life Simms grew up in the town of Masham in Yorkshire.

Training Simms began his apprenticeship in 1979, training at Theakston Brewery in Masham. He became a journeyman cooper in 1983. He attained the rank of master in 1994 when his apprentice completed his training,

Career After leaving Theakston Brewery in 1995 he worked for eighteen years at Wadworth Brewery. In 2013 he set up his own business, the White Rose Cooperage Ltd, in Yorkshire.

Simms was involved in the 2015 film In the Heart of the Sea, providing barrels and other items, creating a cooperage on the set and being filmed working with other craftsmen.