Born in 1952 in Hereford, England, I studied at Hereford Cathedral School, where I was a chorister and later, layclerk. I then went to The Royal Manchester College of Music (1969-1973), which became The Royal Northern College of Music whilst I was there, where I studied Piano, accompaniment, 'cello and singing. I then taught in a Primary School in Manchester for several years, then moved back to HCS, this time as a teacher of music and Cathedral layclerk. After 10 years, I returned to Primary education, music specialist, then in 1997 moved to sunny South West France where I teach voice and piano, compose, arrange, perform as accompanist and soloist and direct choirs. I was recently included in a television series about Brits living in my corner of South West France. As musical director ("chef de chorale" down here!), of an Anglo-French choir, the ITV programmers were interested in me as I am an English person living in France, integrating with the local French community. Music is an international language and knows no boundaries. It is not just an Anglo-French choir as there are members who originate from all over Europe. It has also done wonders for my French, which was rather rusty, to say the least! Although I recently retired as director of this choir (after 12 years), I maintain strong links with it and the individuals from it. The extra time I have gained is wonderful, though, for more composing! My three harp pieces and two Shakespeare sonnet settings are my latest compositions and I have recently completed a Te Deum for strings, female chorus and solo soprano and a Requiem for full orchestra, chorus and soprano soloist. I am hoping that my 4 act opera (a new version of Sanson et Delilah - she's not a wicked lady in this one - more a "misunderstood woman"!) will sometime in the not too distant future be performed down here in the South of France. It's scored for string orchestra, harp (very important part) and percussion. There are two versions, one for soprano and tenor soloists and one for baritone and mezzo soprano, although any combination (as long as one's a man and the other a woman!) will work. There are several other minor soloists and a chorus. I thought a smaller orchestra would make it more likely to be performed (cheaper, too!).