A biography of a remarkable individual, born in the midst of turmoil in Battersea, London, in the year 1933, a time marked by the devastating effects of war. As a young boy, he was evacuated to the tranquil surroundings of Chard in Somerset, a decision that would shape his future in ways he could hardly have imagined.
Upon his return to London, he enrolled in Emmanuel School in Wandsworth, where he discovered a passion for rowing and became a member of the esteemed rowing club 8. His aspirations at the time were twofold: he dreamed of becoming a renowned cartoonist or a film star, but fate had other plans in store for him.
As a young adult, he found himself employed as a teaboy for Collins the Publishers, a humble start to his professional journey. However, his time with the publishing house was cut short when he was called up for National Service. He spent three and a half years serving in the prestigious Kings Royal Rifle Corps, an experience that would undoubtedly have a profound impact on his life.
Following his military service, he relocated to Cardiff, where he joined an amateur drama group and began to pursue his passion for the performing arts. He also landed work with a local radio repertory company, a career path that held much promise. Alas, his tenure with the company was doomed from the start, as he struggled to communicate effectively with his Welsh colleagues, a language barrier that proved insurmountable.
Undeterred, he decided to audition for the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) in London, a decision that would ultimately lead him to become an announcer in 1957. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life, one that would see him thrive in the world of broadcasting, a career that would span many years and bring him great joy and success.
