Thank You

A Special Thank You...

I believe that each of us is the result of experiences that have shaped how we think, respond and react. Another huge influence are those who have helped and encouraged us over time, knowingly or unknowingly. Here, you will find people and events that have influenced and encouraged me over the years.

Football

Bill Nicholson was scouting for the Spurs Youth Team in the late 70s. "It is better to fail aiming high than to succeed aiming low. And we of Spurs have set our sights very high, so high in fact that even failure will have in it an echo of glory."

A training session with Ron Henry in the gyms at White Heart Lane was scary, fun and inspiring. He certainly led by example, demonstrating everything he wanted us to do.

I used to play football with one of Frank's sons. Frank used to watch some of our games on a Saturday morning before heading off to Highbury for an afternoon match; sometimes giving tips at half-time.

Music

At a time when a knee injury had dashed my dreams of playing football, Colin encouraged me to really start practising the clarinet, 'crack' my scales and pursue my musical aspirations. "Have no regrets"

Colin McGuireClarinet

David conducted the Enfield Young Symphony Orchestra, leading us through performances of Brahms, Stravinsky, Beethoven, Dvořák, Rachmaninov and Borodin. It was a wonderful experience.

David SnellConductor/Composer

John McCaw taught me for four years at the Royal College of Music. He was principal clarinet with the Philharmonia Orchestra as well as an international soloist. He aimed for perfection and then demonstrated how to do it.

The late John McCawClarinet

Steve taught me bass clarinet in my final year at the RCM. He had a truly great sense of humour and gave you the confidence to go out and play 'the Henze'.

The late Steve TrierBass Clarinet

Ian taught theory at the RCM, and it was he who told me to wait 'at least 30 years' before embarking on a composition that I had outlined to him. Those 30 years ran out in 2015 and that may be why I embarked on this musical adventure.

Ian CurrorComposer

Royal Navy

Captain Eades was the commanding officer of HMS Beaver in 1987. At that time, he was the most senior Captain in the Royal Navy. I served in Beaver during my 'fleet time' and learnt so much from him about leadership.

Geoffrey EadesCaptain RN

Graham was my commanding officer in the Royal Navy Reserves. He had a knack of challenging you to think about anything with an enthusiasm for forensic detail and analysis.

The Late Graham CooperLt Cdr RNR

Inspirational Events

Being a ball boy at Wembley and running out of the tunnel with the players in front of 100,000 fans was an amazing experience. I even got some Wembley grass on my studs at the end of the match!

Ball boy at WembleyEngland v Italy (World Cup Qualifier 1978)

What an amazing concert this was! The London Symphony Orchestra conducted by the composer of some of the most iconic music of the 20th Century. However, more was to come. A true inspiration!

John Williams conducting Star WarsLSO Concert on the roof of the Barbican

The opportunity to watch any composer conduct their own music is one that should not be missed. This concert featured Aaron Copland's Clarinet concerto performed by another of my heroes, Jack Brymer. An impeccable performance, and I'll never forget watching the composer almost dancing as he conducted Rodeo. It was his 80th birthday concert!

Aaron Copland, 80th Birthday Concert1980

If you ever have the opportunity of experiencing Hans Zimmer Live, do!

Hans Zimmer Live

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