I was supposed to be a Barrister, but it never happened. Not that career, but I’ve had so many others.

I taught Nigerian soldiers to shoot, sold paint to Costa Rica, Indigo to the Tuaregs, mini skirts to sixties dolly birds and bathrobes to Sunday Times readers.

Getting a bit more serious, Beatrice and I formed our own P.R. company, started London Fashion Week and bought a yacht. Cruising far and wide we fell in love with Devon and Cornwall, and determined to find a home and a business there.

It took us five years, but then we found Burgh Island and its near derelict Art Deco hotel. That was the start of sixteen years of fun and thrills, worry and nightmares.

But we survived and so did the hotel. Against all odds, we breathed life and happiness into that stunning (1929) building. Its fame spread and we finally prospered.

Now that we have passed our dream to another deco – loving couple, I have written it all down. The almost incredible story of our time on Burgh Island is told in ‘The Great White Palace’, published by Deerhill Books ISBN 0-9550727-0-0.

Now we are snug in our valley, barely 15 minutes from the Island, living in the only Art Deco barn in Devon, with many projects to keep us busy. Use it or lose it, as I say!

As a trustee of the Charity dedicated to the construction of a new Pre-School for our Parish, I have become involved with fund raising. In 2008, this led to my foundation of the Aveton Gifford Classic Car Show, which has come to attract annually 75 beautiful cars (including my 1974 Citroen D Special) and 1000 visitors.

So far we have raised nearly £5000 each time, and the Show will take place every August Bank Holiday for the foreseeable future! Preparation of our building site has now started, and this year car owners will be invited to tour the Pre-School which they and Devon County Council have done so much to fund. Proceeds from the Show will henceforth be used for the substantial running expenses.

Also I have been working hard on my autobiography describing the highlights of the many totally different careers in which I have been involved. It is now with the publishers and I hope will be available as a sister to the “Great White Palace” in the Summer. No title is yet decided, but 2 possibilities are: “Do Your Own Thing” and “The Boy Done Good”!

Watch this space.

In the meantime, any ideas or interest to Tony Porter

Towards the end of their time on Burgh Island, Tony and B commissioned a professional video (10 minutes) of the island and its hotel with commentary and colour footage (plus aerial shots). These are available on DVD at £5.95 each, plus 60p postage and packing (within the UK).