The Music & The Writing

My Personal Story

The Music

When I was just ten years old, I had a chance meeting with my Great Aunt Dorothy when we were all together, on holiday in Norway. I had been summoned to her room in the main house and feared a `dressing down’ for some indiscretion (she was, by then, a formidable woman in her late eighties). I was therefore greatly relieved when she started the conversation by asking me about my piano playing.

I remember telling her that I found `reading’ music difficult but enjoyed making up simple tunes. Sadly, she died a year later and we never met again. To my astonishment, in her will, she gifted me her lovely Steinway piano. She herself, had been a most accomplished player.

Music and piano playing have been central to my life, ever since. I owe her a huge debt of gratitude.

There are two short piano pieces, with added cello, available for you to listen to. Both were written some years ago, but I believe that they stand the test of time. I hope that you agree!

‘Where are they Now’ and ‘The Dream’ have been played at a number of events where we raised money for charity. Our focus now is helping the Jasmine Foundation with whom we share a close bond.

The Writing

I have always enjoyed writing, both prose and poetry. However, I neither had the time nor the discipline to write anything substantial until the Covid lockdown period descended on us. I had bumped into an old school friend, Mark Grenside who reminded me of our days at Rugby School sitting in the classroom, alongside Anthony Horowitz. Both Mark and, of course Anthony, had become highly successful authors and Mark admonished me for ‘letting down the side’. When the ‘Lockdown’ arrived, I decided to resolve the matter by writing ‘The Clever Red Setter‘.

We have had this breed of dog previously and can only admire their energy, humour and truly wonderful nature. This provided me with the inspiration to write the book. I have recorded an ‘audio version’.