All Chapters
Browse through all the chapters of my life story.
Chapter 1The BeginningFebruary 18, 1940 – Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, England
The Beginning
Epping Forest
Waltham Abby Epping The town is named and renowned for its former abbey, the last in England to be dissolved, now the Abbey Church of Waltham Holy Cross and St Lawrence a scheduled ancient monument and the town's parish church.
Childhood in Dover
In 1947, our family began a new life in Dover, the famous ferry port on England's south coast. For me, this was where childhood truly began.
After isolation
Growing Up in Dover Dover in the 1950s remained scarred by the ravages of war, with bomb sites and debris still littering the landscape long after the conflict had ceased...
Finding My Way - Leaving Clare House
There comes a time in every young person's life when home no longer feels like the place where the future lies.
Swan Hotel
Stratford-upon-Avon — the home of William Shakespeare and a theatre-rich market town — had more than 800 years of history, with buildings that Shakespeare himself might have known. Even then, the town was alive with a thriving community, offering leisure, accommodation, and shopping experiences.
A New Beginning: Herne Bay and Home ownership
Herne Bay, a seaside town on the north coast of Kent, lies just six miles north of Canterbury. It had risen to prominence as a resort in the early 19th century after the construction of a pleasure pier and promenade and reached its heyday in the late Victorian era. For us, it represented the promise of a fresh start.
Whitfield and the Ferries
The History of Whitfield, Kent The village of Whitfield has grown so that it is now physically connected to urban Dover, Kent, yet it has kept its own identity and sense of place. The central core of modern Whitfield was, however, not the original heart of the village; the original settlement was sited at Church Whitfield to the east. Pineham, located to the east of Church Whitfield is a small rural hamlet that is often considered part of the Whitfield community. It contains a small handful of farms and houses..
Across the Seas: The Journey to New Zealand
From Tearful Goodbyes to Bright Tomorrows: The Journey South
Turning the Page
We faced yet another life-changing decision: we could either remain a small cottage industry or take the leap to expand into a larger manufacturing operation. We went from working out of our home base to relocating and getting the machinery and stock out of the home
The Redvale and Beyond
You might think, “This guy has it made—he’s been in New Zealand for just 15 years, owns a six-bedroom home with a swimming pool, and has raised five children. All he has to do now is sit back, find some part-time work, and enjoy life.
From Britannia to Pizza – My Australian Culinary Adventure
Navigating the World Expo, Running a Traditional English Pub, and Discovering the Complexities of a Pizza Franchise
Detour to the Riviera
Quicksand on Caxton Street
After selling Bali Hai, I found myself wondering what to do next.
Reflections on Life, Love, and What Remains
"I leave behind no great riches, only the story of an ordinary man who lived an extraordinary life."