A Bristol Boy, Proud and Blue

A Bristol Boy Proud and Blue. The story of a working class boy born to the struggles of Inner-city life in Easton, Bristol. How starting small and learning from his peers, the various misdeeds that with age increased in volume and severity.

One constant throughout my life, Bristol Rovers football club and the followers of this under achieving stalwart. The passion and violence associated with following football throughout the 70's and 80's and even on occasion much later in life.

Major physical injuries and mental health problems all needing to be overcome and still requiring acknowledgement to this day.

A working career starting in the British Army as a rebellious 16-year-old and shortly consigned to years of drudgery in a factory environment. This is where I finally begin to grow up, but it takes a while.

Union shop steward and militant action, before redundancy and then a successful period as a publican with the colourful times that entailed.

Living in various place around the south of England through work, but still drawn to Bristol Rovers like a moth to a flame.

At times though the willingness and early association with violence, along with the discipline drummed into the young Army recruit, useful tools in containing disorder that are inevitable when alcohol flows.

Highs and lows a rollercoaster life of a lad born into the rough run-down streets. But remaining eternally proud of his home city.