Perkins, Stewart: - Born in the East End of London in the early 1950s, the retired draughtman has witnessed and lived through many life-changing social and economic developments.
The sports loving man with an enjoyment of life grew up and attended schools in Dagenham. Here, living within a working-class community, the novelist learned friendship, respect and trust were just as equal if not more important than money.
Notorious for animatedly narrating 'exaggerated' tales from his youth, with a cockney wit inherited from his father, he always looks for a reason to laugh.