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A Day in Aresey with . . .
. . . Jon Boys
Jon has lived in Arlesey for 17 years with his family and two dogs. He recently organised a firewalking
fundraising event at Arlesey Football Club in aid of St Peter’s Church yard fund. The event saw 10 Arlesey
residents, including Rev Geoffrey Boult and ATC councillor Mick Holloway brave the burning hot embers. The
sponsorship money totalled over £900 and the participants built their personal self esteem and over came
fears during the motivational evening!
Questions by Jodie Chillery
How long have you’ve lived in Arlesey?
We moved to Arlesey in 2000 from Henlow. I share the house with my
wife Sue, my daughter Jillian, her partner Dave, Angus the 17 year old
Westie and Poppy our crazy 7 year old chocolate Labrador. I also have a
son, Chris who lives in London.
Tell us about firewalking, what is it?
Firewalking is lots of things. It is used around the world as a right of
passage and personal transformation ceremony. Last year we ran
an event for Baby Spice Emma Bunton. We run charity fundraising
firewalks, corporate firewalks and train firewalking instructors. People
quite literally have their lives changed when doing firewalks. It is deeply
empowering. I first did a firewalk back in 1999 and loved what it did
for me so much, that I have been running them ever since. I went out
to California in 2005/6 to train as an instructor under Master trainer,
Tolly Burkan. I am now part of the team at www.firewalk.co.uk based in
Cambridgeshire, training instructors from all around the world.
You’re also quite musical - What do you play?
I joined the church choir at 8. My mum gave me my first guitar when I
was 7 years old. I immediately learned as many Beatles songs as I could
and started performing with friends. I have been in bands ever since and
now teach others to play as well as perform at open mic nights from time
to time. The days of gigging and getting in at 4am are long gone but I
still love my music. We have some amazing musicians in Arlesey and I
enjoy jamming with them at the local pubs. I write my own songs and my
What is the best thing about living in Arlesey?
I love the peace and quiet of Arlesey. I live in Ramerick Gardens and in 30
seconds can be walking my dogs in the countryside.
What do you do to relax?
To relax I write music and teach guitar, do yoga, walk my dogs and
meditate. I am always looking for new guitar students if there is any
budding guitarist out there! I love all kinds of music but Prog Rock is my
favourite genre. I also love watching films, reading novels, psychology
and personal development books.
If you’re interested in taking part in a fire walk or organising a fire walking
event for your charity or company visit www.firewalk.co.uk n
only claim to fame was having one of my songs recorded and performed
by Ocean Colour Scene as the funeral of a mate’s mum a few years back.
It was deeply emotional as the place was packed with over 500 people.
I am actually looking for musicians to help me with a project later this
summer so if you are interested do get in touch.
[email protected]
What was your first ever job?
My very first job was working on my Dads farm back in 1971. However,
that was hard graft so I left farming and joined the RAF.
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#infoonthebutton | on the button issue 59 July 2017
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