Alive and Kicking

Then & Now

by Terry Dobson


Formats

Softcover
£23.99
Softcover
£23.99

Book Details

Language : English
Publication Date : 21/01/2025

Format : Softcover
Dimensions : 6x9
Page Count : 496
ISBN : 9798823091749

About the Book

Alive and Kicking – (Then and Now) a combination of many tales and experiences, told with honesty, veracity and reflecting on an eventful past, present and a future yet to be determined. This book written as a supplementary addition to the times and events found in four earlier publications, And then came Agadoo, Abri – My Oasis, Another Day Another Time, and Afterwards – Dare to Dream. A further account throughout the lifetime of the author Terry Dobson, bringing the many surprises and events recorded in a family unit throughout a period of unprecedented times into the spotlight. Playing drums with the hugely successful pop band, Black Lace, also, Stormer, Aircrew, and Mister Twister, the author’s period in retirement, and a potential yet to be determined. Enjoy the author’s attempt at bringing back to life those memories and events, a journey with a life full of experience…


About the Author

Born in March 1952 to parents Jean and James living on a large newly built council estate in Wakefield. Terry attended Flanshaw infants, Alverthorpe Junior, and Ings Road schools. Attending Huddersfield University in his later years to obtain a degree in management. From 15 years of age Terry worked as a joiner for Horners Building Contractors in Ossett while attending Wakefield building college on day release and night school. As a founder member of the pop band Black Lace along with school friend Ian Howarth in 1969, Terry toured with the band all over the UK in pubs, social and working men’s clubs and night clubs. Turning professional in 1976 to perform at Bottons Fun Park in Skegness, and further summer season work at Butlins Skegness in 1977. Black Lace represented the United Kingdom in 1979 in the 24th Eurovision Song Contest held in Jerusalem Israel, finishing the competition in a respectable seventh place. Also, in 1979 performing in the InterVision Song Contest held in the amphitheater Lesna Opera, Sopot, Poland, Czestaw Niemen overall winner of the competition. This appearance over four days giving the band a huge leg up to perform in and around Europe including the former Iron Curtain countries of East and Western Germany. The author ended his professional career in music early 1983, when returning to full-time work in joinery for Wakefield Council until 2005, and Wakefield and District Housing until retirement in December 2018. A full 35 years, taking on many roles and responsibilities during this time, finally bringing about retirement when working as a Survey Manager. The author continued to play drums with his former professional Black Lace band mates, Alan Barton, Colin Gibb, and Ian Howarth, and various sessions with other artists in recording studios, and playing live music with Stormer, Aircrew, and finally Mister Twister. Performing our music, and those likeable tunes of preferred artists in the clubs and pubs throughout the UK. However, Terry now finds lots more time to continue with his hobby of stargazing at the Pontefract Observatory, West Yorkshire Astronomical Society, (WYAS,) and voluntary work with Supporting Music for All, (SM4LL.) Other social activities include performing and playing his drums in working men’s clubs around Yorkshire, with local band Mister Twister, until their demise in the summer of 2023.