A Belfast Child

by John Chambers

  Billy smiles. ‘Is the Pope a Catholic?’ he replies.

  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

  T

  he book you have just read has been with me in one form or another for more than thirty years and over that period I have gone from periods of cosmic enthusiasm for telling my story to utter dread at the thought of sharing it with the world, of laying my soul bare. But throughout it all, folk always seemed fascinated with my journey and many encouraged me to take the leap. However no man is an island, and I couldn’t have done it without the help and support of certain people whom I would like to thank:

  James Hodgkinson, Kelly Ellis and the team from John Blake Publishing. Despite my story getting many soul-destroying rejections over the years, the JB team understood the heart of it – that it wasn’t just another book about the Troubles – and took my hand to lead me gently through the publishing process.

  Margaret Hanbury, of the Hanbury Agency, my agent who got me a book deal within weeks of coming on board (after countless others had turned me away) and has been a constant source of help and support from beginning to end. When she first read the finished book, she called me and the emotion in her voice as she discussed my story touched my heart and soul.

  Tom Henry, my writing partner and friend, whose constant help and ongoing support through the last five years has led me to where I am now. He believed in my story from the beginning, even when others didn’t, and when I had had enough and was ready to throw the towel in, he encouraged me to stick with it and see it through. Forever in your debt.

  This book is dedicated to my dad, and namesake, John Chambers, whose death forty years ago left a hole in my heart and soul that can never be healed, for loving and caring for us and raising us as a single parent. What a journey he set me on. My siblings Mags, Jean and David, for always being there for me and giving me endless unconditional love and support in all that I do. This is also their story. My grandparents, John and Susie Chambers, who loved and cared for us when our world fell to pieces. My aunties, uncles and cousins, especially Jacky, who always engulfed me in love, and Uncle Rab, who was always there for us. Also, my uncle Jim and aunt Maureen, who always cared for us and give us love. My aunt Anne and uncle John. Wee Sam, Linda, Mandy, Joanne, Denise, Karen and Stephen, Leanne and Nichola, for always being there for me and for bringing so much joy and happiness into my shattered childhood. All my friends and family in Belfast and in Glencairn, especially Natalie and Julie and Davey Mc C. Those in London, too, especially John Hibbs, a lifelong friend who has always been there for me and shared so many happy, crazy times with me.

  All my friends and followers on Twitter and my blog. Many have been on this journey with me and some have supported and comforted me when darkness threatened to engulf me.

  Nick Bradley and Darren Cooper from my London days – you always believed in me, and my story. I’m glad our paths crossed.

  My wee cousins Karen and Shannon and all other members of the Chambers clan no longer with us. I love and miss you all every day.

  Jay McFall, my wonderful Mod mucker and great friend, for letting me use her photos and for documenting our crazy Mod odyssey.

  Gary, my lifelong best friend and soulmate, who has always been there to support me – and to take the mick non-stop. I love him like a brother, and we will always be as thick as thieves. I’m so glad our paths crossed.

  My mother-in-law, Janet and late father-in-law, Roy, for always making me feel welcome. Thanks for the best home-made curries in the universe.

  My three-legged cat Baby and his sister Fluffy, and our two goldfish, Tiny and Jaws.

  Most importantly, my beautiful wife, Simone, and children, Autumn and Jude, who love and care for me every day, and who pick me up when life gets me down. My life would be empty without you and I love you beyond words.

  And finally, of course, my mother, Sally McBride.

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  JOHN CHAMBERS was born in Belfast in 1966 and grew up during some of the most turbulent years of the Troubles. He now lives with his wife and children in the north of England, but his heart’s desire remains a pastie supper from Beatties chippy on the Shankill Road. In no particular order, his interests include astronomy, quantum mechanics, military history, music, the Mod movement and his mother-in-law’s curries.

  John can be found blogging at www.belfastchildis.com and tweeting at @bfchild66