Born in Kirkby Lonsdale, Westmorland (now part of Cumbria). Bill has worked as a teacher, including 5 years in New Zealand, where he also played rugby and developed his interest in tramping (NZ version of hiking), and a freelance journalist. Subject matter ranges from dining out and Art to the outdoors, golf, skiing and travel. Has had a number of short stories published and has won prizes short listings and commendations in competitions in England and in America. More recently, anno domini has taken toll of the sport, and he’s been devoting himself to full-length books; most recently ‘The Gypsy Model’ about a girl who modelled for the Pre-Raphaelites,. Apart from the sunshine and the outdoors, OB enjoys KEO, EFES, Steigl and Hartley’s in between spells at the computer, and is a rabid supporter of England in all sport. Offspring: a son, Daniel and two daughters, Helen who spends her time commuting between Palm Springs CA, Austria UK and Cyprus, and Ngaio, who lives in Somerset.