John Lawrance

John's childhood ambition was to become a professional cricketer. He captained Middlesex schoolboys, played for London schoolboys and was on the groundstaff at Lord's as an M.C.C. Young Professional. Although he didn't make the grade, he enjoyed many future years playing club cricket.

Returning to school after his time on the groundstaff, he went on to read Law at Queen Mary, London before qualifying as a solicitor and setting up his own practice in 1980. He retired recently as the senior partner of his firm. On the basis that it is never too late to begin a new chapter in life, at seventy-two, John now hopes to start a new career as a novelist, while also enjoying more time with his three granddaughters and walking in the beautiful country parks of North Enfield with Sally, his wife of forty-four years, and their Labrador, Victor.

And then there is his other passion: a masochistic attachment to Tottenham Hotspur Football Club. He is old enough to remember when Spurs were the undisputed top-dogs of elite football - the glory days of 1961 when they were the first team to win the League and Cup Double in modern times. Although another title is still awaited, he retains his season-ticket with his son and daughter, since hope springs eternal as they all enjoy watching them flatter to deceive.

John is now looking forward to the publication of his first novel, Hosting Andrew, and hopes it will prove distracting, entertaining and, perhaps, thought provoking for those who are tempted to read it.  .