Personal Profile
I founded the Marlborough International Jazz Festival, which is regarded as the biggest event of its kind in England. To see the sensational programme we have for you this year, click on http://www.marlboroughjazz.co.uk/
I have written extensively in the national media. I also write regularly in Wiltshire Life and have a monthly column in Country magazine.
I have had five books published. The Voyages of the Great Britain came out in a paperback edition last September. My next book, A Town At War, will be published by The History Press in April.
I am currently working on a Life of Thomas Stephens a 16th Century Jesuit who was the first Englishman to sail round the Cape of Good Hope. He was born at Clyffe Pypard near Swindon. I will be giving a lecture about him at the University of Munich in June.
Two years ago, I was invited to lecture at the ‘Celebrated Writers Series’ at the Shakespeare Festival at Stratford, Ontario. To read my lecture on Shakespeare, try www.hisori.ca/articles/article (warning, it’s in French).
I worked on the Middle East Peace processes as a consultant at Harvard University’s School of Government. I had previously worked in the Middle East for Christian Aid. To see something of my experiences, try www.aurore.demon.uk/Arabia
I am a Fellow of the Centre for the Study of Democracy at Queen's, one of Canada's oldest and most prestigious universities. I recently completed a 60,000 word paper entitled Optimism with the Facts about the situation in historic Palestine and the prospects for a peaceful settlement there. the title comes from a quote by Afif Safieh, the Palestinian representative to The Vatican. 'Do you know the definition of a pessimist? An optimist with information.' I cannot disagree.
I directed the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. I have devised and directed poetry programmes at Stratford, Edinburgh and at RADA. The actors have included Sir Robert Stephens, Patricia Quinn, John Nettles, Patricia Brake, Toby Stephens, Emma Fielding, Richard Johnson and Zoe Waites.
I founded the St George Community Trust for the homeless in London.
