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Melvin Foster was born, the youngest of three children by several years, in 1945. Raised through the early years in a terraced house backing onto the smoke stack of an iron foundry in Willenhall (then Staffordshire, now West Midlands).
From an unpromising start Mel set forth on an equally unpromising life. Failure at 11+ led to the familiar route through Secondary Modern School into an almost obligatory ‘factory fodder’ life.
Finally, rescued by a degree in Earth Science and Systems from The Open University and open competition entry into the Civil Service, Mel spent several ‘interesting’ years as an Officer of H.M. Customs&Excise. Following early retirement in 1996, Mel set up in full time private practice as a Chiropodist, (clearly a natural thrill seeker).
Work and ongoing service as a Magistrate since 1991 have taught that very ordinary people often lead extraordinary lives (sometimes by choice, though usually not). On the whole, fiction is much more believable than reality.
Mel married Audrey in 1967. They have one daughter Sue, and two grandsons, Bradley and Connor who add light to many lives.
In addition to writing, which occupies a large and growing portion of life, hobbies include walking, gardening, wine, theatre, wine, quantum physics (if only he could understand the Maths.), wine, and wine.
Philosophy: Moderation is fine in moderation.