"Taken"

About the Book

Taken is the autobiography of Alwin “Bobby” Watts. It covers the first 15 years of his life, eight of them in care homes. He tells his story in his own inimitable style and recounts many events, both amusing and shocking. These pages contain the story of a boy in crisis, but with his fantastic sense of fun, over comes all obstacles to become one of Major Dick Hern’s (race horse trainer to the Queen), travelling head lads.

The reason he has written this book is to remind those who have responsibility for young children in care, that the real nightmare of being separated from brothers, sisters and family is not knowing when they are going to be re-united.

About the Author

Alwin Whitfield Watts was born in Cheltenham and developed an early love of all things equine. He went to work for Major John Dennistoun, gained a National Hunt jockey licence and later won a prestigious position as a “Travelling Head Lad” with Major W. R. Hern, the Royal horse race trainer.  After an horrendous riding accident he had to give up competitive riding. All throughout his life Alwin has been associated with animals and has acquired a natural affinity to them.

He trained as an artist under Leonard Boden and after giving up riding, he worked as a freelance artist and enjoys indulging his passion in painting, specialising in equine subjects. His love of music stems from his singing in several church choirs, most notable at Roxeth Church Harrow where he attended for a short time as a boy soprano. He trained under Mr Eric Rose at St Mary’s church Bletchley. Obtaining the covetous membership to the Royal School Of Church music

He is a member of the Dunstablians Rugby Football Union Club Male Voice Choir as well as an active participant in a small local entertainments group called “That’s Entertainment”.

Alwin is one of life’s gentlemen, softly spoken but always ready for fun and ready to see the funny side of life. He is enjoying his retirement in Newmarket (where else) and has recently added writing to his myriad of talents. At a recent reception  for the Princess Royal he presented to her a copy of his first book “Funny and Memorable Times In Horse Racing”, and has received an acknowledgment from Buckingham Palace.