It started in Tuscany (Gallicano) - Giuseppe Simonini

Giuseppe Simonini, originario di Gallicano e trapiantato a Londra dal 1958, ha scritto la sua autobiografia: www.joesimonini.co.uk.

Born in Italy in 1940, Giuseppe (Joe) Simonini has been in the hotel industry spanning a total of 50 years. In 1967 he came to the Chewton Glen Hotel where he stayed for 38 years and has recollected a few fascinating stories in his first publication. 

Married to Christine for the last 50 years he is the father of two children with four grandchildren. He has lived in the Bournemouth area for the last 49 years and enjoys walking in the New forest where he is able to pursue one of his hobbies; wild mushroom foraying. 'It Started in Tuscany' is his autobiography which he has written for his grandchildren as, having arrived on these shores from Italy, he wanted to ensure they knew of his background. A background that, when he read it to his classmates on the Monday morning class of 'How to Write an Autobiography' they heartily encouraged him to publish!

 

"Joe's memoirs are a fascinating and light-hearted insight into a life, a career and a journey, which was so positively fulfilling at every stage right up to the present day. His story is a wonderful lesson in living life to the full and embracing adversity. Anyone who has met Joe will be thoroughly amused by his tale and those who haven't will be intrigued and entertained." Andrew Stembridge, Managing Director, Chewton Glen

"Joe Simonini's life force is his faith and his family – foundations which led him from manning an espresso machine and learning to decant wine at the age of eleven to his appointment, twenty years later, as Assistant Manager and then to Hotel Manager at one of the world's most celebrated luxury hotels. His memoir is more than a delight to read. It is an insider's reflection on the running of Chewton Glen where his role embraced everything from greeting senior Royals and Hollywood stars to coping with unpleasant guests and bomb scares!"

Kit Chapman, Author of An Innkeeper's Diary and My Archipelago, Proprietor, The Castle at Taunton

To view a sample of the book please click here