My Career and Times in the London Boroughs, the Soviet Union and Ceausescu's Romania

It is strange how events happen in one’s life, almost as ordained. From perfectly respectable and responsible positions in local government; then, by fate, facing a 3-month trial at the Old Bailey; afterwards, a short time back in local government; then, almost out of the blue, living and working in the then Soviet Union and, afterwards, in communist Romania. Unique and fascinating experiences only possible to happen for a short time, as countries change and develop as time goes by.

This book tells how Brian Edwards survived all of the above, having experienced events outside the imagination of most people, which, at the same time, were both extremely pleasurable and also very difficult.

His initial career developed in Local Government, to senior management positions in the London Boroughs and to other Boroughs around London, and from Bristol to Southend and Harrow, etc., then emigration with his family of six to New Zealand when he was required to return and face a three-month trial at the Old Bailey – at the end of which, he was cleared. Another setback enabled him to work in the then Soviet Union as a Project Manager, building the world’s second largest plant manufacturing Optical Glass Fibre, which was followed by a period in CeauÅŸescu’s Romania. Being one of the few Englishmen in these countries at the time proved to be very much to his advantage in terms of work opportunities and making many good friends.