Autobiography

the little terraced properties which were the
norm in this area. It was set back from the
other houses and in the middle of its front
garden was a tree with the most fantastic
bunches of red berries I had ever seen.
I spotted trees like that again while shopping
for some copper beech for the grounds of my
Surrey home. I discovered that they were
called Rowan and immediately bought a 100
and planted them around the property. In the
autumn when they are loaded with thousands
of red berries I am reminded of my past and
where I came from. There is nothing like a tree
to remind you of your roots.
Confidence, wealth, expression, success,
recognition – this house was the beginning of a
new feeling and a new life. It was the catalyst
that changed many things. I wouldn’t change
many things in my life, but if I were advising
someone starting out in the same position I
would ask whether they are sure about
working all the hours God sends, the
obsession, the dedication, the risk, the fear,
and ask them, ‘do you have the courage?’
It would have been nice to be born into
comfort, to have had a university education,
but if that had been the case I doubt very
much whether I could have succeeded as I
have because it would have taken away my
essence, my driving force. The ability to
succeed requires a special desire; a
motivation. It is in most of us, but some of us
need a little encouragement.
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