John was born on December 20th 1947 in Rush Green Hospital, Romford, Essex. He was the much loved son of Les and Ellen. He was brought up in Stanford le Hope, Essex. He had a happy childhood but was not very interested in academic application, being far more drawn to motor bikes and music.  Their home was previously a market garden so there was lots of space for banjos, guitars and spare parts for motorbikes.  Both these interests John inherited from Les