I shall begin with an apology. I am sorry I have been quiet in recent weeks. Things took a turn for the worse after Christmas when my wife became very unwell with a dose of flu (compounded by a pulmonary embolism and a collapsed lung) which left her laid low for a considerable length of time with numerous trips to hospital. The observant amongst you may also have noticed the Dark Horse address has changed too. Our previous abode, though absolutely beautiful, was a little small for our needs. Playing host, as we do, to 4 adorable grandchildren we felt the need for a little more space, especially as they are getting older and in need of more privacy. We had been casually looking at properties with half an eye on the possibility we might decide to move, when to our utter amazement we secured Lilac Cottage and an unexpected move thrust itself upon us. To be honest, the most challenging part of the relocation (apart from keeping Claire resting and not shifting furniture) was moving the grand piano. I am indebted to my dear friend John Tordoff, whom I have known since childhood, for his assistance. If you have a piano you need Piano Services | Leeds – John Tordoff Piano Tuning.

I am still wrestling away with a new choral composition, but with all the disruption lately progress has been slow. On the other hand I was privileged to play for the Cleveland Philharmonic Orchestra in their concert on 22nd March.