A wanderlust seed was sown when thirteen-year-old Chris watched an inspiring TV documentary about African wildlife painter David Shepherd. That night, in his bedroom on a council flat estate overlooking Brixton Hill, South London, Chris undertook his homework with fresh determination and a goal in sight.
After leaving school and completing a four-year apprenticeship Chris worked till he had saved enough to embark on his dream. However, he never imagined it would end up as five unbroken years globetrotting, covering some 42 countries! All this in an era before mobile phones and GPS! Chris would try to live as close to the indigenous people's lifestyle as possible.
Following many adventures and even coming close to losing his life on a few occasions he returned to London, but now found the capital too claustrophobic. Virtually putting a pin blindly on a map, he caught a coach to Norwich and booked in at the YMCA and looked for work. Decades later he still resides in this fine city describing it as his "favourite place in the world"! He loves the location so much he trained as a Blue Badge Norwich Tour Guide; so, could also lead a tour of the city for you?
Chris started playing acoustic guitar as a teenager and soon developed his own unique brand mixing classical, folk and flamenco. He is largely self-taught. Some years ago he teamed up with a talented soprano singer and made a CD. Chris has performed solo at small concerts and provided background guitar at receptions. He can often be found at folk music clubs around Norfolk.
He has been folk dancing for decades and teaches dance at home and abroad. Over time Chris has picked up a wide variety of dance styles, so besides the core ceilidh he can include International, Irish, Ballroom and even Jane Austen Era. He has even led fully costumed 18th century English style balls at castles around Estonia culminating in a half page article in an Estonian national newspaper!
Chris enthusiastically enjoys imparting his skills and would be happy to perform for you.
