THE fascinating story of a Wiveliscombe man’s love of jazz has been brought to life in a new book.

Bertram ‘Jim’ James Whyatt travelled the world writing about his passion for jazz music, with his work appearing in numerous magazines. 

Though Bertram died in April last year at the age of 92, his life story will be recorded for future generations in Jazz: So Much In My Life, which contains a selection of his writings about jazz and about his career with the RAF.

His wife, Beryl, who still lives in Wiveliscombe, said: “He was a lovely person and a well-liked character; he got to meet an awful lot of musicians.

“We moved from the London area to Taun-ton, where Bert wor-ked at the Lotus & Delta shoe shop in Fore Street. 

“During that time he’d go in the afternoons to do broadcasts with Radio Bristol based in Paul Street.

“He never did any of the writing for the money; it was always just a hobby he loved.

“In 2007, the family said to Bert that he should write all of his life’s experience down so future generations would be able to read about him.”

Bertram’s son, Chris, said: “Dad was a larger than life character with a very outgoing personality.
“From the moment he came to Taunton he got involved in the Taunton Film Society and other cultural stuff. 

“Anyone who lived in the centre of Taunton knew him as ‘the man with the dog’ as he always took our dog Sally with him when he went out and about.”

Beryl’s niece, a publisher, has put together the book, which costs £12.95 and is available from amazon.co.uk