ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
It could quite properly be said that writing a biography requires an inflated ego and a good dose of conceit. Be that as it may, the reward for having done so has been an amazing opportunity to almost relive my life. Although it brings to life many dark events that one would change given the opportunity, it also brings to the fore the better experiences, times and people that were a part of it. And that, my friends, is a gift far beyond the realms of valuation. That is how this enduring experience affected me, a first time writer.
For that opportunity and for bringing this other dimension of writing to my life, I have only one person to thank, my son-in-law, friend and editor, Dan Witters. I was encouraged and harangued in equal measure by him. My early efforts, keen, but amateurish, must have pushed the limits of frustration for an editor. I think it a testament to our relationship and Dan’s patience that we did not split the family. I have come to believe that editing for a family member must be akin to teaching one’s wife to drive. Anyway we got through it, thanks Dan.
I suppose I am indebted to all the people I met along the way; all of whom one way or another contributed to the experiences that came my way. In particular I must note the good old Mill End and Ricky boys I grew up with; they all know who they are. One I must single out, if you’ll pardon the pun, has to be Dave (Dinger) Singleton, who jumped ship with me in Sydney. Like all those local boys, he was gutsy, as I hope my story shows.
Then there were my mentors, Freddie Graves from the green grocer times, Ernie Barter from the rag and bone fiddles. The schoolteacher, Mr Dan. Also Allen, the Bosun on the Highland Monarch. Plus an outstandingly good rock of a bloke, Bill Tierney, whose friendship has been massively encouraging to me. Each of them has touched me in a special way, leaving a mark that I think I put to good use.
From New Zealand I must acknowledge the late John Hughes, Rainton Hastie and Scow Captain Jock McKinnon. Also Ray Miller, Jerry Clayton, Sir Robert [Bob] Jones, Alan [Rambo] Harris, Bob Scott and Diamond Jimmy Shepherd, all of whom, one way or another, had an influence on my life and how I lived it.
Then there is my talented daughter Sam who, in her quiet way, has been a rock in an often-troubled world. Also I include my grandsons for whom I originally planned to write this book. Their interest has been an immense encouragement.
Inspiration can come from unexpected sources. Some of this tome was written in coffee bars, the 'Fat Aubergine', sadly now closed in the name of progress and ‘Brown Sugar’, owned by the ever supportive Louise, both in Rickmansworth High Street. While this location could never challenge the 'Montmartre' district in Paris, or other ‘Bohemian’ districts of art and writing, it provided a haven, a meeting place for like-minded people, to bounce ideas and concepts off.
Among them, the first I must name is, Ken Balneaves a talented Sci-Fi writer and author of ‘The Greatest Gift’. Ken helped me in an unselfish manner in preparing this book for publishing. Thanks Ken, once an acquaintance, now a loyal friend. Also, Ken’s wife, Sheila, who kept encouragement, drinks and coffee flowing through long hours of editing.
I also appreciate another man who gave me great encouragement and assistance through a down period, which greatly helped the production of this book, Gerard O'Connell. He too was once an acquaintance, now a loyal and valued friend. I think Gerry was partly driven to help, as his father, Tony, whom I had the pleasure of meeting, was himself an 'old salt'. He had trod a similar path to me; he ran away to sea at fourteen years old and had to do some tough growing up.
Then there’s big John Gompers, 'the strolling minstrel', a man who loves music and books and sang at charity events, (well he would sing at any event, we couldn't stop him). Then, Dave and Pat, he a newspaper columnist, friends and always great sources of encouragement. Marc, the café part-owner and Danielle, his manageress, who always kept the ‘welcome mat’ out for me, no matter how long I sat with a single cup of coffee.
Further encouragement came from friends and drinking buddies, Tom, Phil, Robbie, Neil, Brent and Pat, a rugby and sports nut. All to be found in 'Druids' in Ricky High Street, a rugby and football pub/sports bar, par excellence. Alan the owner, a Welsh rugby player, now a noted coach and fan, always extending a hand.
Finally, there were my old Ricky mates, who could always be found somewhere in the High Street chatting, Dave and Olive, Gorgy and Vera, Greg and Taffy, plus a host of other old Mill Enders, all in their own way giving me a kaleidoscope of memories to draw upon, thanks.