Our family history
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Ken Taylor: -

Born: 1959, Buckinghamshire, Britain.

       Left Grammar school asap with a fistful of 'O' Levels and a hunch that the real world existed somewhere out there...

       Gainful employment along the colourful road to now includes such character forming positions as archaeologist in the Roman garrison at Chester, head gardener at one of the smallest country houses in Britain, foundry-worker in Amsterdam, and gravedigger in the Shetland Isles.

       Pastimes such as walking the dog, calling in the cats, "hoovering" the lawn, repairing broken toys and deporting spiders from the bath tend to take up so much time as to preclude sensible hobbies like grumbling about the weather. However, on those blue moon occasions when a breathing space floats by, his attention may be found wandering in among a broad spectrum of avenues including environmental conservation, calligraphy, archaeology, and family history.

       Ken has been writing most of the time. Apart from publications detailed elsewhere, non-fiction publications include a museum booklet dealing with archaeo-astronomy (also lectured on this topic), and various other booklets on contemporary folklore. Over 500 articles are to his credit as a freelance journalist and feature writer. He has edited upwards of 30 publications ranging from poetry books, organic horticulture journals, and Local Exchange Trading Systems newsletters, to community magazines. He has also written successful computer programmes (& User Guides) for clients as diverse as personal friends and a multinational plc. He occasionally undertakes commissions for subjects ranging from media management to genealogical research, as well as undertaking a variety of other current business activities.

       Semi-professional sidelines have included...
Fiction:- publications include short stories and fantasy/horror booklets.
Publisher:- proprietor of small press (Carmina / Nemeton Publishing) producing illustrated books on subjects ranging from local history and folklore, to the arts and occultism.
Performer:- Played percussion in a rock band (NAZGUL), and portrayed a Celtic Warrior for an open air Hallowe'en stage play and Fire-show.
Poet:- first broadcast on BBC radio at age 10, has published several anthologies, hosted weekly Workshops, and judged numerous competitions, before first appearing on national TV in 1993.

Born: Yes.

       Left full-time education with 9 'O' Levels, 3 'A' levels, and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Degree in English Studies with Philosophy and Linguistics. (see here for further details)

       In the grand tradition of most writers, had lots of different jobs: barmaid and/or cook in various establishments, sales assistant in a classical music shop, fishmonger (have you ever had to gut 50 trout before breakfast?), assistant manager of an entertainment complex in Edinburgh, fund-raising events organiser for FREEZE UK, and sales and accounts officer for BT. She was the inspiration and driving force behind the mobilisation of local environmental and conservation societies, the Regional Council, and the Environment Agency, to clean up and manage Nightingale Valley, a once-derelict, now-delightful green space (it's now home to kingfishers, woodpeckers, jays, squirrels, voles and a host of other mammals, as well as innumerable butterflies and other insects. Nightingales, alas, haven't been heard here for over 50 years. But we can always hope...)

       Nothing if not versatile, ne?

       Sidelines include Tarot and crystomancy readings and astrological natal charts, as well as devising greeting cards verses for individual clients. (It's a tough job, but somebody's got to do it!)

       Previous hobbies include classical ballet (to gold AAD), ballroom dancing, fencing (to bronze AFA), archery, and horse-riding. She was also a fair marksman and a mean hand with a shuriken (the throwing stars, not the kites!). Perhaps fortunately, all she has time for now, hobby-wise, is her indoor jungle, although she still enjoys home decorating, artwork, and - sometimes - cooking. (Billy Bragg once said her Tarka Dall was the best he'd ever tasted...)

       Joules has been writing for most of her life, with published material appearing in places as far apart as New York, Gibraltar and Kathmandu - but usually under an assortment of pen names, for which she is now kicking herself. Various poems have appeared in Moonstone and Psychopoetica, amongst numerous others; book and film reviews in Pagan Voice and Chalice; and assorted letters and short articles in regional newspapers and newsletters. Other projects include the Front Office section of the British Telecom staff training manual, a training database for staff at BBC Bristol, and, jointly with Ken, an interview with David Taylor (no relation!), the West Country Green Party prospective MEP. From 1994-98 she wrote the monthly column Astrolog for the newsletter of the South West branch of Mensa. She is now concentrating on joint non-fiction works with Ken, her own fiction (both sci-fi and other), and the occasional article (see Publications for more information).

       Ken and Joules share their home with their son Kai (born - honestly, we were there! - March '95), three two eccentric cats, a mad dog, and one Chilean Rose tarantula.....

       Kai's pages have details of his interests.

For further personal information, including family album, fun stuff and holidays, see 20^th Century Gargoyle

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