Graham Matthews

GRAHAM MATTHEWS was born in Sidcup, Kent in 1932 on the fringes of the countryside with its Tudor cottages and oast houses. He went to Cannock House for a while where the masters at that time wore black gowns and boys were regularly caned in front of the whole school assembly.

On learning of lurid punishments, suitably embellished by the budding author, his parents removed him from private education and placed him in the nearby primary school where, to his pleasure, he was once again in the company of girls as well as boys.

Shortly after the outbreak of war in 1939, at the age of eight, Graham found himself in the angular-nosed head teacher’s class sitting next to Quentin Blake (now Sir Quentin). Meeting him some sixty years later, Quentin considered on reflection that he possibly received inspiration for some of his characters from the said head teacher.

(It was she who chided Graham for cheering the announcement that the school had to be closed for a few days due to bomb-damage.)

Read more info and posts from Grahams on his website ColneSpringHenekeys.com. See original documents, sign up to mailing list to be sent offers for new titles on Amazon.

MORE BOOKS from Graham:

PREVIOUS PUBLICATIONS 2004

‘You’re The Doctor - You Decide’

“…It’s exactly those sorts of stories of private accounts that enliven and make sense of history, and exactly those that are seldom written down.

James Hamilton-Patterson, author of ‘Empire of the Clouds’

Award winning poet & novelist, commenting on Graham’s book.

Graham’s first (autobiographical) book is about growing up in the Blitz (bombing raid) during World War Two. It provides a refreshing perspective on an otherwise traumatic view of this period in history, as seen through the eyes of a young boy.

The author paints a picture of London life during the bombing raids and gives amusing anecdotes to what everyday life was like in the 1940’s.

Graham recalls he wrote this book “to provide a glimpse of a fast receding history for my grandchildren”… (see more on blog colnespringhenekeys.com/doctor.php)

PREVIOUS PUBLICATIONS 2010

‘A Stone’s Throw From Chancery Lane’

“…Graham’s book provides a pleasant and interesting evening’s read. I thoroughly recommend it.”

Mike Lynd, Journal of Charter Institute of Patent Attorneys

Following the modest success of ‘You're The Doctor, You Decide’ published in 2004 describing growing up in the blitz, Graham’s second book starts with an account of his engineering apprenticeship which began as a result of ‘having been shown the door of his school somewhat prematurely’!

From engineering apprenticeship to patent attorney, Graham describes a number of inventions he patented, some serious, some comical & quirky such as dog’s ear protectors…(see more on blog http://colnespringhenekeys.com/stones.php)

MAILING LIST

Graham is currently working on a book of poetry and other projects. Sign up for posts & to be notified when new books are published on his website colnespringhenekeys.com