HOW IT ALL STARTED
Back in the early 1960s, instrumental guitar groups were in their heyday. This was pre-Beatles and The Shadows in the UK and The Ventures in the US led the way for numerous other groups and artists, such as Duane Eddy, The Tornados, Johnny & The Hurricanes,etc, to produce records that regularly featured in the Hit Parade, as it was then known.
On television, guitarist Bert Weedon appeared on "Five O'Clock Club" and started to pass on tips to would be instrumentalists, covering such topics as choice of instrument, musical choice and how to start a group. I was inspired.

Cashing in on the success of his TV appearances, Bert Weedon published "Play In A Day" which did exactly what its title said and thousands of teenagers around the country, including me, learnt to play basic chords and rudimentary tunes in a very short time - if not in a day.

At the time, I was part of the choir at SS Peter & Paul church in Chingford, N London and a couple of fellow choristers were also inspired to pick up guitars, so my first group was born. For a couple of years we played at church functions and youth clubs around our local area but disbanded as our educational needs grew in importance in the run up to our GCE 'O' Levels.

LATER LIFE
I still dabbled with my guitar playing as marriage and family life took precedence. However, in my mid 30s, an opportunity to join a new barn dance band presented itself and my interest in performing resurfaced. The barn dance band lasted over 20 years and following its demise I have been able to develop an act playing solo gigs to backing tracks.

Following retirement, this has become an important part of my life and I am building up a large following locally.