MyHobbies

Although electronics was my profession, it has always been one of my hobbies, for as long as I can remember. Despite my age, I can still remember in vivid detail, the first crystal set I built when I was 7 years old. I am fortunate to still have a fully equipped workshop at home and still ‘mess about’ with electronics, since it helps to keep the ‘Little Grey Cells’ moving.

Aircraft are more of a passion than a hobby. When I was a youngster, my bedroom ceiling was covered with balsa wood and tissue paper models, which I spent hours and hours building. I love going to air shows and go into fits of sheer delight, when I watch and hear a Tornado take off on full afterburn. However, I think my favourite aircraft sound is the roar of a Rolls Royce Merlin engine in a Spitfire, as it does a low pass, at full throttle, over the runway, then climbs and executes a victory roll. In 1971, I took flying lessons and obtained my private pilot’s licence on light aircraft. I continued flying until the cost of getting airborne became prohibitive.

Music is an equally long standing hobby. I am very lucky to have been blessed with a good ear, which I feel sure I inherited. Both my parents played musical instruments, so I suppose it’s in my genes. I am completely self taught and play everything by ear. Although I mainly play keyboard now, I am basically a drummer. In the late 50’s when skiffle was all the rage, I took up guitar and formed a group doing all the Lonnie Donegan songs. After learning a lot more chords, I played guitar in a Big Band and when the drummer left the band, reverted to my original ‘instrument’. In the Late 60’s I formed a small group which played for dinner dances. We did very well for about 12 years or so, mostly playing for dinner dances, weddings etc. until the discos took over and ‘ruined’ the live music scene. I still do the odd Pub gig on keyboard and a few drumming ‘Deps’ with a local Trad. Jazz group.

At home, I have a fully soundproofed music room / studio, adjacent to my workshop, which allows me to play my keyboards and practice drumming, without annoying my neighbours, or other family members. Originally, the studio was used as a practice room for my small group and also for producing ‘Demo’ recordings for other local musicians.

More recently, I have joined a newly formed local Trad Jazz Band. The band has the normal 7 piece line-up - Clarinet, Trumpet, Trombone in the ‘Front Line’ and Piano, Banjo, Bass and myself on Drums.

The types of music I enjoy listening to and playing, are Big Band, Swingers, 30’s & 40’s Evergreens, Small Group Jazz, Latin, Country and some of the more ‘tuneful’ contemporary music. I also enjoy relaxing and listening to classical music.