Steven Hilder

It is with the deepest regret that I make this Ramble today. My friend, my support and my finest critic, Steve Hilder, was taken from us in skydiving competition on Friday 4 July 2003.

I cannot release any further details as to circumstances of his death, as the police are now investigating the circumstances surrounding his death.

I wish to pass on my deepest sympathies to Steve’s parents, sister and his girlfriend Ruth.

Steve will always be my friend. I have had the pleasure of being in two Theatrical productions with Steve. The last of which was just before Easter in PRIME DIRECTIVE, where Steve played Dick against my Tom. The entire production was filled with Steve and I joking, fooling about and terrifying the director. There were times where even I thought that there was no way that he would be ready for the first performance. But once again, Steve proved us all wrong – gaining the RNTA Pyrland Trophy for the Best Male Newcomer 2003.

Steve was destined to become a fine Army Officer. But moreover, he was destined to entertain people, just by his presence in the room. No matter how spartan the setting, Steve would have something organised that would amuse all around him.

His honesty made me change the way I conduct myself in my day job, and rethink several scenes in not only PRIME DIRECTIVE, but in DENIM and FOLIO.

It was a true honour to know him – and it always will be. He has added great value to my life and given me a belief in my writing that I never had before.

As such, I will now dedicate PRIME DIRECTIVE to the memory of Steve Hilder. I also ask for a theatre company to produce PRIME DIRECTIVE in his memory, with donations made to the Army Benevolent fund.

I sign off, as Steve would to me – displaying his true character…

Blue Skies