A Chorister's Tale

ÔA ChoristerÕs TaleÕ grew from a request from Durham School to Old Boys for a summary of their years spent there. Further writing ensued, covering the years 1928-2012, beginning with a childhood in the industrial northeast of England, during and after the Depression. Of his six years as a Chorister in Durham Cathedral, four were wartime years, as were two more when at Durham School, with severe restrictions affecting everyday life. Career ambitions changed from an intended life in teaching to a life in Medicine. In 1946 due to ex-service personnel looking for places in Universities, places in Medicine for school leavers were unavailable. Dentistry was offered at Durham University and taken up, with the intention of qualifying in Medicine after eight years. This was not to happen because of continuing Conscription into military service into the 1950Õs. Forty-four years in National Health Service was to follow.