CURRENT MISSION

To finish my novel, and visit new places

ABOUT ME

I moved from the South of England to the North East to get rid of my mortgage. Before I moved I worked finding Host families for students,and organising group visits for European and Chinese school children. Here in Darlington I do creative writing, go to church and belong to a reading group. I also volunteer in a drop in centre for refugees and asylum seekers, and promote a Christian Human Rights organisation. I have 3 grown up children and 3 grandchildren, the youngest born in July 2012. I will write more about them another time.
Last year I passed a Master's degree in 'Creative Writing', and am struggling with technology in an attempt to publish a book on-line! Now I spend my time reading and writing.
In March 2003 I won THIRD PRIZE in the Sid Chaplin Short Story competition, which means I must spend more time trying to get my work out to the public!

PHILOSOPHY

I'll have to think about this one!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I have hosted 2 young men from Edinburgh who were travelling the country promoting a new website. Also a delighful Polish pharmacist who was flat hunting before bringing his wife and daughter to live in Darlington.
I surfed a couch in Leeds, and was very well looked after.
I had a very happy stay with CORALpinkroom in Liverpool in September.

Interests

Apart from what I have already written, I used to have a house in Bulgaria, in a village near the town of Yambol.
In 2010 Icompleted an M/A. in creative writing, and am collecting short stories for an Anthology. My favorite occupation is reading, and I am addicted to the Archers on radio 4, so don't talk to me between 7 and 7.15!(Don't worry, I can listen in the car)

• writing
• books
• human rights
• breakfast
• working out
• technology
• reading
• traveling
• volunteering

Music, Movies, and Books

Favourite books; anything by Kazuo Ishiguro, Alexander McCall Smith, Anne Granger, Jane Austin. Also I loved the Time Traveller's Wife by Audrey Niffeneger.
Favourite Films; Carmen Jones, Tea with Mussolini, Whats eating Gilbert Grape, Slumdog Millionnaire, The Reader.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Bought a derelict house in Bulgaria and done it up.I have a daughter in Dorset. I like to visit her but have to stay in Bed and Breakfast. I would like to CS nearby, and would be pleased to reciprocate by accommodating other surfers.

Teach, Learn, Share

Readers and Writers.

Countries I’ve Visited

Barbados, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Greece, Spain, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

United Kingdom