Madam, - I am researching the life of the late writer and broadcaster Dr Brian Cleeve with a view to writing his biography. I am appealing to readers who may have known him to get in touch with me.
Brian Cleeve came from a privileged background in England and attended St Edward's Public School in Oxford. Always seeking adventure, he decided in his late teens to go to sea as a waiter on the Queen Mary. He served in the merchant navy during the second World War and managed to survive Hitler's U-boats as his ship plied the Atlantic.
He lived in South Africa after the war but was expelled when he refused to be silent in his criticisms of apartheid. In the 1960s he was a familiar face and voice on Irish television. Later still, his career as a novelist developed and he produced a series of international best sellers.
In the latter part of his life, he embraced mysticism and published a number of books on spirituality. These aroused considerable interest and controversy at the time, especially in Ireland.
I would love to hear from anyone who can offer insights or information into these or other aspects of Brian Cleeve's life. All contacts will be dealt with in confidence. - Yours, etc.,
JIM BRUCE, Hazelwood, Shankill, Dublin 18.