Fame at last!
The article was supposed to appeal to younger people at a time when they didn’t know what they wanted to do with their lives, or didn’t believe their talents could prove fruitful, but that’s not exactly how it comes across. What I meant was, you’re only a failure if you believe what others tell you, and accept that as the only truth there is. I’ve proved all of those people wrong. I failed my ‘Eleven Plus’, did miserably at school, redeeming myself somewhat by obtaining two ‘A’ levels despite what people told me, then failed to get into music college, and failed again to obtain a degree at C F Mott College. I then tried and failed at accountancy (it was never me anyway) – didn’t really get off the ground if the truth be told! However, again much to everyone’s surprise, I did make a success of being a policeman for thirty years, during which time my music was always a part of me, what with membership of The Band of the Devon and Cornwall Constabulary and the British Police Symphony Orchestra.
Finally obtaining a 1st Class Honours degree in music at the ripe old age of 48 years, I surprised everyone, but there were still those who said I’d never make it as a professional musician in my retirement. Well, maybe I won’t ever be a household name, and I’m not sure I’d want to be either, but my music will outlive me, and is out there being played around the world.
I’m happy with the way things have turned out, and roll on 2018!
