Tony Diamond, new local author

Pebble on the Beach, by Tony Diamond
Published by QueenSpark Books

Tony Diamond was brought up on a Hove council estate in the 1950s and 60s. He had an unusual family life; for example, the man who Tony thought was his father wasn’t, while the real one lived two doors away. This led to his behaviour getting him into trouble at an early age; at ten years old he was given Electro-Convulsive Therapy, to no avail, and he was later disowned by his family and sent into the care of Barnardos, who in turn sent him to work on a farm in Australia.

Unsettled, Tony escaped to Sydney, where he stowed away on a ship bound for England, only to be caught, imprisoned and subsequently deported from New Zealand. His return to his family in Hove, however, was not a happy homecoming…

Tony was interviewed about his life on the 8th November, 2006 on the Gordon Astley show on BBC Southern Counties Radio. You can listen to the full interview by clicking on the ‘play’ button under Tony’s photo. Thanks to BBC SCR for permission to use the clip.

The remarkable first part of Tony’s life story was published by QueenSpark Books in November 2006.

Comments about this page

  • Great to hear the interview. I remember you well Tony. I lived the bottom end of Godwin Rd. I remember Michael, Pat & Terry, can’t think of your sister. We all had rough times in those days, there were lots of dark shadows. I was a product of a passing Canadian soldier although I didn’t find out till I was 9 years Old. Funnily enough, Radio 4 did a 30 minute program on me in England and over here in Canada. Retired and living in New Brunswick Canada. Good Luck !!

    By Ian Wallis (17/05/2007)
  • Nice one on the book Tony, pleased your doing well. Regards, Paul from Australia (ex pat).

    By Paul Parsons (19/07/2011)
  • Your book sounds like it has all the makings of a good movie. Have you pursued that yet Tony? Good luck.

    By Gwennie (30/09/2011)
  • Gonna get hold of that book, my life’s been just as crazy. In care from 2 till 18, lived in St Anne’s convent. Hope your life is happy now. All best.

    By Josephine Benyovits (13/03/2013)
  • Young Tony, it’s our anniversary’ drinkys down club’ on me. Now let’s talk about that TV series – no dragging thy feet chap. xxx love ya best bud Dicky.

    By Ricardo Elms (25/03/2014)
  • Good to see this. Remember when you came back from Australia and stayed with us until you got settled back into life in Hove? Lots happened since then but hope you are doing well.

    By Marion Lea (nee Gardiner) (26/02/2017)
  • Hi Tony, just listened to your broadcast. Great, must get the book. Well done

    By Cass Hoare (13/02/2018)

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