An author in our midst
Geoff Burke RS/RPS CR 1983 - 1997
Former member of the common room, previous Head of Art and Housemaster of New House Geoff Burke has recently finished his second piece of historical fiction.
When asked what his main interests in his school days were Geoff was almost thrown because of the sheer volume of pursuits he had while a member of the school community. From Art and Art History which involved some great Art trips to Paris, Amsterdam and London with the 6th form, and other Art gallery visits, he says he very much enjoyed running the tennis team, helping with cricket and rugby and organizing and performing with so many talented Rydal musicians and singers.
A big favourite for Geoff was the annual Rydal Blues and Jazz Nights which raised money for worthy causes such as the NSPCC.
After a spell of retirement, Geoff went headlong into the music business where he formed a booking agency, management company, record label and worked mostly in London.
He then switched location to Sweden working with Sony Music and then programmed many gigs all over but especially in London at venues such as Ronnie Scotts, Jazz Café and the Barbican.
Nowadays he co-runs the Llandudno Jazz Festival which was created with his late son Edward. Another of our Alumni, Nico Widdowson whom we also feature in this newsletter appeared at this festival in 2018 with his Leeds-based group “The Mabgate Swingers Party”.
Geoff is also a full-time author and has been busy writing several books over the last couple of years with his good friend Nick Fisher under the pen name N.G. Neville.
Their first book 'Degeneration The Story of Betsy Roberts' expanded into 'Betsy Roberts' and is a novel of historical fiction published by Cambria Book Publishing and Amazon.
It is set in 18th and 19th century Britain and America and involved considerable research which Geoff describes as both fascinating and challenging. He goes on to warn “It's not for the faint-hearted though!”
A film adaptation is due to be made when possible.
Geoff and co author Nick have a new book which is a collection of stories entitled 'Death and Salvation' which will be published in a few months.
“In the future my plans are to do more writing and to pursue my love of live music as well as co-running an Art collective called The Swinley Group with my wife Beth and Nick Fisher. My dear ex-colleague Ceri Leeder is one of the members, her paintings are brilliant!”
Geoff finishes by saying “I have many wonderful memories of working with many brilliant colleagues and talented pupils … Rydal Penrhos holds a special place in my heart. “