Born in Hampshire (the old one not the new), but proudly claiming Yorkshire stock, Barry Whittingham was educated at Grange Boys' Grammar School, Bradford, and Reading University, where he graduated in French language and literature. He then worked as a commercial manager for a brewery in Birmingham, but soon realizing that selling beer wasn't his cup of tea he went back to the same university to obtain a teaching diploma. After teaching French in England for two years he successfully applied to go on an official teacher exchange to France during which he taught English in a lycée. And he never looked back! Setting up his own English-teaching, translation and interpreting business, the next 40 years gave Barry the opportunity to observe and experience many of those things which go to cause the only similarity between French and English to be the colours of their flags. Unlike the split-personality personage he has created, however, Barry only occasionally hears voices, and lives a relatively sane life of retired meditation with his French compabion, Renée, in the Jura region of France. And hobbies, interests and pastimes are nothing more disquieting then golf, gardening, foreign travel, the 19th century English and American novel, French cooking, a glass or two of good wine ... and, of course, creative writing.

Honours Degree in French Language and Literature
Certificate of Education, Diploma of Education