A short history of an old painter Ted Kirby was born in Swindon, Wilts in 1 924 and joined The Royal Navy in February 1941. After training, he was sent to Gibraltar. In November 1942 he was 'temporarily' drafted to a Fowler Class Corvette and spent over 2 1/2 years on her. He took part in convoy's to Malta, Russia, Newfoundland, the Mediterranean and Normandy and was paid off ship in July 1 945 and married a Derry girI. He joined Admiralty (Civil Service) in Derry and lived there for 14 years and had 1 son and 3 daughters. He moved back to England in 1962 whilst his family remained in Derry. In 1963 he left the Civil Service and worked as a salesman for various companies. His wife died in 1967. LaterTed remarried another Derry girl and they lived in Horndean, sadly his wife passed away in December 2OO8. Ted started painting, after retirement (1984), with watercolours and later changed to oils. Since losing his wife he has been painting almost non-stop, mostly Irish scenery. He has collected photographs and generally enjoyed the scenery. He is not a professional painter, has never been to an art class, he just enjoys creating something which is colourfuI and hopefully readily identied. He does not guarantee that every rock or tree is an exact copy but he hopes his efforts will give you a reminder of either your home area or somewhere you have visited. Ted says that ifyou feel like painting you should have a go, it's very relaxing and it's never too late. He is now 85 but still enjoys learning and the challenge.

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