I was born and brought up in Widnes Lancashire before joining the Royal Navy as a boy entrant at HMS St. Vincent, Gosport in 1963. After training as an Electrical Mechanic, I served on board HMS Reclaim, Triumph, Glamorgan, Argonaut, Leander and Ambuscade, leaving in 1988 as a Chief Petty Officer Weapons Electrical Artificer. (CPOWEA)

I have lived in Saltash for over 25 years and have always had an interest in local history, particularly industrial archaeology, transport and the Tamar Valley. I am an active member on many local historical and heritage groups and the Vice Chairman of the Tamar Belle Heritage Group.

I edit ‘JUST A FEW LINES’, a newsletter that records the industrial and social history of the Tamar and Tavy Valleys. At weekends I can usually be found at Bere Ferrers Heritage Centre, covered in paint or grease.