About the Author

Michael Stockdale was born in the northern England coal mining town Whitehaven. Raised and educated in industrial Barrow-in-Furness, worked in the local Shipyard. Joined the Merchant Navy, sailed as Marine Engineer. Met and married Maureen an Australian classical Ballet Dancer. They married in London, travelled extensively, and settled in Australia. Michael worked as an engineering draftsman, externally with oils, pen and ink caricatures. They have four grown up children. All excelled academically. Their youngest son, keeps everyone moving.