About me
I was born in rural Sussex towards the end of the war with just a spoonful of Scottish blood. My Dad was a school teacher as well as local Scout master of the 1st Forrest Row troop and producing their Gang Shows, he sang in the local coral society and yet still found time to be in the Home Guard under his captain A. A. Milne (creator of Winnie the Pooh). Mum, In the meantime looked after me whilst dodging the Doodle Bugs.
After the war we moved to Hertford where dad was head of handicrafts. My sister Marion was born in December 1947 and we moved to Hoddesdon in Hertfordshire for five years until we finally settled back in the family home in Enfield. My schooling was fairly average, I went to secondary school until I passed the thirteen plus exam which gained me a place a Tottenham Tech. I left at 16 with two GCE's in plumbing and technical drawing. It was the latter which gained me an apprenticeship in a drawing office, a profession I was to follow up to taking early retirement a few years ago.
Like my dad, I was in the Scouts. I joined the 12th Enfield, St Michael's Group, the best in the district and know affectionately as "The Glorious Twelfth". If there are any old scouts from other troops who disagree I would be glad to hear from you. Scouting and a little talent got me into the London Gang Show at the Gaumont State Theatre, Kilburn in 1973 & 74. Great times and sadly missed.
During the Sixties and Seventies I performed with cabaret groups and dance bands all over London's top venues until home building took up all of my spare time. I still amuse myself and anyone who is willing to listen with my ukuleles. Yes, I have quite a collection of different types and sizes! I can get some sort of tune out of most instruments. I recently acquired a lovely little art deco piano which I have tuned and now play from time to time, not very well I must add.
During the eighties my work involved me in the renovation of listed buildings and I developed a strong interest in local history and joined the Enfield Preservation Society. It was here that I got involved in producing the Enfield Book, a good read and of interest to young and old, although I don't know if it is still available. I will try to reproduce some of it here if I am able.
After my wife Janet died of cancer at Christmas 2000 my daughter Claire and I decided to make a move to Glorious Northamptonshire, "The Rose of the Shires". In 2009 we relocated to Rural Norfolk.
I still try to follow my hobbies in music, classic cars and railway modelling as well as producing the odd painting from time to time, however, sitting in front of this darned computer and trying to master its intricacies seems to take up too much time. Periodically I take time out to update this website. I perform in period costume with the Norfolk Gallery Quire & spent four years as Musical Director, a position which I recently relinquished. Claire & I have now formed the Litcham Jumping Fleas Ukulele Club which is great fun.
Sadly my dog Amber, a 13 year old collie cross, crossed the rainbow bridge a while back. She used to enjoy the local countryside as there are lots of wonderful walks for her. I also cared for an ancient Yorkshire Terrier called Yogi. Actually it doesn't matter what I called him as he was totally deaf. Sadly both these dogs are no longer with us however we now have a 10 year old Patterdale Terrier named Freddie. He does everything at FULL SPEED! Sadly he barks at everything including the UFO's - Unidentified Farming Objects, in the field opposite the house.
Well folks, that's about it. Thank you for taking the time to read this. I hope that you will find the following pages and links of interest.
Happy surfing and best wishes Alan
