Dad, the House is on Fire... Again

'Dad, The House is on Fire... again', is a memoir of my colourful childhood in the 1970's and 80's. As well as a myriad of adventures including underground rooms, cliffs, fire, gun powder, ropes, rockets and rather too many blue lights, I reflect on how growing up and parenting have changed with time and technology, with humour and heart. I lost an eye along the way, but that's what happens when sibling rivalry includes air-rifles!

I was the youngest of three brothrrs; Mum and Dad had actively sought an opportunity for us to grow up with discovery, risk and an astonishing level of freedom.

My brothers managed to expose me to a wealth of early learning - I was way ahead of the curve when it came to drinking, smoking, drugs, motorbikes and both sides of the law. Our newly adopted home on the South Wales coast, in a large, dilapidated house, added further opportunities for more unconventional creative and outdoor pursuits involving cliffs, wildlife, fire, engines, ropes, rockets and rather too many blue lights.

I've asked myself a lot why I wrote this book. I've asked myself what it's about and who it is for. Maybe the memories of my first ten years in Wales nod to a generation and a culture that's moved on. Maybe it's a thank you to my parents. Perhaps it's an acknowledgement of what shaped me. Either way, penning them down felt instinctively right.