I was born on the south coast of England in the Hampshire town of Bournemouth, although it became a Dorset town following the 1974 boundary changes. I lived there until the age of five, when my family moved 10 miles (16km) east to New Milton. At the age of 7, I joined the choir at Christchurch Priory where my late father was already a choirman. Christchurch is a town halfway between New Milton and Bournemouth. It was here that I was inspired to take up the organ and where I would later become Assistant Organist.
My brother Richard and myself pictured in Normandy, France
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Aline, her parents Alain & Marie-Jo and my mother Sheila pictured in Monaco, France
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I live in Harrow (10 miles/16 km NW of Central London) with my wife Aline, who comes from a town in the South of France called Fos Sur Mer, 50 km (31 miles) to the west of Marseille in the region of Provence. Our son Alex Michael was born on October 21st 1998 and a joint baptism and marriage blessing service took place in Fos on January 2nd 1999.
Alex Michael Hammond-Gilles!
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Pictured with Alex and Alain
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I have a younger brother, Richard, who is a professional freelance trumpeter. We have formed a Trumpet and Organ duo and have performed at such venues as Westminster Abbey, Southwark Cathedral and the House of Lords. He is also a founder member of the brass quintet Mardi Brass. He lives in South-West London with his wife Clare and their son George
and daughter Matilda.
Richard, Clare & George
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Mum at her sister's Hazel's
Golden Wedding celebrations...
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...Auntie Hazel & Uncle Norman
cutting that cake
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