I WAS BORN in the popular seaside resort of Sheringham, on the picturesque North Norfolk coast, and lived with my parents in a little flint-faced cottage, situated in a quiet cul-de-sac a few hundred yards from the sea front.

I received my early education in Sheringham, at the local Infants & Primary School, before gaining a scholarship at the Paston Grammar School in the nearby market town of North Walsham!

The Paston School was founded in 1606 by Sir William Paston, who, even then, recognised that “...the Norfolk lads, I’m sore afraid, have overmuch liberty!” and where in need of “arithmetic, writing and grammar...”.

Following five years of grammar-school education, during which time all-in-sundry attempted to transform me from a ‘Norfolk lad’ into an academic, I enrolled at the Norwich School of Art where I began studying graphic design.

In 1960, an opportunity arose I just couldn’t miss – a job at Jarrold & Sons Ltd, world-famous printers of Norwich, and well-known for their high-quality printed products – books, postcards and calendars.

During the next forty years with Jarrolds I met many interesting people in the course of my work. I can clearly recall working with a very young-looking Patrick Moore on his book, the History of Astronomy. Then there was Nancy Spain, a television cook and household name during the ’sixties, and I also assisted in the design of her publication The Nancy Spain Colour Cookery Book.

Now living in Wymondham (Windum), South Norfolk, since taking early retirement in 2000, I have devoted most of my spare time to writing and illustrating my books of poetry, which I’m pleased to share with you on this website.

So, thank you for visiting – and if you would like to order a copy of Albie’s Poems or Albie’s Thoughts (or both!) I guarantee you will not be disappointed.

Best regards.

Ashley Gray – Wymondham 2008

BOTH BOOKS AVAILABLE DIRECT FROM THE AUTHOR

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