Mike Walsham

After graduating in chemistry and physics from London University, Mike Walsham worked in pharmaceutical research for a few years before joining a well-known international computer company in sales and marketing.

He has worked in the computer industry for over eleven years in several African countries, such as Ethiopia, Zambia, Botswana and South Africa.

During his time in Zambia in 1973–75, he drove from Lusaka to successfully climb Mount Kilimanjaro. He obtained a private pilots’ licence in 1974 at the Lusaka Flying Club and went on to be an instructor.

He has a strong interest in music, particularly jazz.

He has a keen interest in classic cars and owns a Triumph TR4A.

As a result of working abroad, he enjoys travel, especially to places of historical interest in Europe and Africa.

He is thoroughly committed to his family (four children, nine grandchildren) and to his local C of E church.

Over the last ten years, he has written articles for the local Parish News on subjects such as: the Ark of the Covenant, the Knights Templar, the Cathares, the Battle of Agincourt, the Scramble for Africa.

A keen sportsman, he still plays squash and jogs, with a strong interest in most sports, particularly at international level.

He was a crew member on 42ft yacht in 2002 from Menorca to Split, Croatia. In 2004, he again was a crew member taking 44ft yacht from Southampton to Split.

His close relative’s involvement in WWII stimulated him to write historical novels based to some extent on the relative’s experience in the Intelligence Services.