Julian Ashbourn

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Julian Ashbourn

Born in 1952 and a resident of Benfleet from 1952 to 1971, Julian counts the time spent on the Downs and down by the Creek during these formative years, as the foundation for his interest in the natural world.   However his writing career began with the publication of “Biometrics- Advanced Identity Verification”,  followed by 5 more titles on the same subject. Biometrics, if you aren’t sure, is the measurement and statistical analysis of people’s physical and behavioral characteristics.

Since when he has branched out into a host of subjects including natural sciences, philosophy, geology, conservation, poetry and fiction, the details of which can be  found on his website https://julianashbourn.wordpress.com/  His trilogy of novels  –    “The Homesteaders”  –  has proved popular with the ladies, apparently causing the odd tear or two ….a far cry from biometrics, as indeed is his “A little book of verse to warm the heart.” .

In “Enterprise House – a story of success” he breaks new ground with a humorous look at the world of technology. The setting is the mythical town of Boggle-on-Sea, which has many characteristics in common with Benfleet.  His ongoing  major project is to create a photographic archive of natural Britain.  He already has 4,500 images , but completion may have to wait for retirement.

Julian’s memories of South Benfleet can be found here. He may no longer live in Benfleet, but he is still a Benfleet man as this 2015 poem illustrates:-

There was a time and place
That framed our early days
Though years rush by in haste
Changing many ways

South Benfleet was its name
Down beside the creek
And over time it came
A place for those who seek

A different way of life
With friends from all around
Away from city strife
In the haven there they found

And friendships were what gave
The town its special feel
And that which served to pave
A future true and real

And now the autumn haze
Is gathering around
But we shan’t forget the days
In dear old Benfleet town