East End to South West: A life story



A child refugee from the London Blitz starts as a lab assistant, becomes head of European research on radioactive waste disposal and then... A tale of joy and heartache, with family at the heart, from London's East End to Exeter in the South West. Ron Sambell has lived many lives - cowman, publican, scientist, poet, scout - in several places, from London's East End, via Reading, to Exeter in the South West, from where his family originated. But always at the heart is his family (especially his beloved wife and six children). Episodes in this book could come from the autobiography of many of us, but it is given to few to create as rich a tapestry. Change and seizing your chance are central motifs and Ron shares his memories of being a child refugee from the London Blitz who discovers farm life
of adapting to new schools
of making his way from hospital porter to laboratory assistant at Harwell's Atomic Energy Research Establishment, to heading up European Research on the Disposal of Radioactive Wastes (the first to reach those dizzy heights without a degree). But when he leaves the world of science, he continues to enrich his life through scouting, by owning a pub, travelling, writing and playing bowls and bridge. He tells his tale with joy and heartache, warts and all. Older readers will rediscover long-gone familiar scenes, younger readers will hope to have as rich a journey. Along the way Ron saw how important Exeter Hospice is to the county's care network and is donating all proceeds from the sale of this book to Exeter Hospiscare.