TOM Lambert never imagined himself an author, but fate turned his funny memories into his debut book Chalk and Cheese, a collection of anecdotes and funny stories of his eventful life.
The retired principal was sitting at his desk jotting down some memories and funny stories to tell guests at a dinner evening on a rainy afternoon in 2010. A local cartoonist and friend Louis Geen heard some of these hilarious stories and insisted Tom put them together as the stories would be great for a book.
“The book was never meant to be, but was brought into being by Louis Geen. Without his support it wouldn’t have reached first base! Now that it has been published, it’s mission accomplished and I am most grateful for his inspiration and motivation,” said Tom.
Tom was not one for technology, so the process of getting his stories together was a long arduous task that took nearly four years. “Everything was handwritten at my home desk. I don’t own an computer or have email, but enjoyed writing the stories, they brought back many happy and hilarious memories of incidents that happened in my life and other people’s lives that I was close to,” he said.
Tom had to get the stories into chronological order, which was quite a task, since his stories ranged from childhood adventures at boarding school, days as a teacher and principal, playing bowls to his retirement. His daughter and a friend took his handwritten manuscript and transferred them into soft copy.
The book is peppered with humorous stories, some with a serious undertone. There is laughter and drama as we see Tom go from innocent adolescence to self destruction and the turning of his life. My life was like Chalk and Cheese said Tom who is now a lay minister at the Musgrave Methodist Church.
Tom said Chalk and Cheese appeals to golfers and cricketers of the early days, people who are interested in bowls and the grandchildren of septuagenarians who missed the halcyon days of their fathers and grandfathers as well as the general public who would like to enjoy a good laugh.
The book can be found at Adams bookshop in Musgrave Centre and Lynn D’s Shop at the Durban Bowling Club or call Tom directly on 031 202 6465 for a copy.
