When seven year old Andrew Thurgood was told he was too young to start trumpet lessons as he had no front teeth, he was undeterred.

He picked up the violin instead, unwittingly making a decision that would shape his life.

Andrew turned out to be a natural violinist, excelling through the grades and eventually travelling the world as part of the prestigious London Philharmonic Orchestra.

Now teaching at local schools and at his home in Cuckfield, Andrew looks back on his career as a professional musician, his roles in television, film and on stage and how joining local classical music group Ensemble Reza provided a lifeline following a family tragedy.

Full article - by Claire Cooper - printed on page 24, Cuckfield Life magazine, March 2017 - available to pick up in shops now...