John Bell, the writer of ‘Epitaph on a Beech Tree – A Tale of the Great War’. His book has been nominated for two prominent awards, namely, The Royal Society for Literature’s Christopher Bland Award for elderly, for the first time and James Tait Black Award for Fiction and biography.

A breathtaking story of love in the time of the Great War. It’s a story of an ordinary man, whose records can’t be found anymore. Ben Robinson, who is a miner has to to be a dispatch rider, he does not understand the concepts defined by the populists. Yet he serves with honor in all battles. He wins the Military Medal but loses his sense of purpose. Later two unfulfilling relationships take him to another journey of self-actualization. To find himself and purpose of life, he has to reestablish himself and even more, his spiritual identity.

John was born in Nottingham. His work in inclusive music education has been accredited by the best in the UK and he is also a jazz drummer. He supports adults with learning disability and directs music in the community orchestra.