Residency:

I have lived in Coal Aston and Dronfield for 38 years, having previously lived in Sheffield. I wouldn’t want to move  anywhere else as Dronfield has so much to offer as well as being well placed for access to the countryside.

Job/Pre-retirement job:

I commenced employment at the River Don Works of English Steel Corporation by serving an engineering apprenticeship and working my way up the ladder as Maintenance Fitter, Draughtsman, Design Draughtsman, Drawing Office Manager, Sub-Contracts Buyer and finally as Purchasing Officer for what had by then become Forgemasters Engineering Co.

I spent 27 years at this company, collecting various engineering related qualifications, before finally accepting inevitable redundancy with many more colleagues. 

I then spent 4 years, working for a company in Eckington which manufactured and installed fire protection equipment on large civil engineering projects such as Meadowhall and Crystal Peakes shopping centres. 

Following a slump in work I was again made redundant and had a brief spell as a school caretaker to pay the bills whilst looking for better paid work. 

My last employer was Age Concern Sheffield for whom I created and managed a cleaning and shopping service and then a Handyperson service for older people. Funding for these services became a problem as local authorities tightened their belts and I left them at Xmas 2007 after working there for 12 years. Whilst working for A.C.S. I accumulated a vast number of qualifications relating to the care of the elderly and their various needs. Due to increasing health problems it  is unlikely that I will take up paid employment again but I will be seeking voluntary work.

Family:

I was married to a school teacher for 27 years and have 2 daughters, both of whom were educated in Dronfield prior to leaving for University. My eldest daughter, Kirsty, works in human genetic research in Oxford and my younger daughter, Melanie, works as a stage manager in Stratford Upon Avon.

Interests and hobbies:

My first interest was in motor racing and rallies combined with restoring vintage vehicles but along came marriage and the family! My next hobby, was photography and which then became a paying hobby when I taught evening classes at three schools in Sheffield for many years. I now only take photographs in conjunction with my main hobby which is now       restoring and exhibiting old farm and industrial machinery    which I take to steam rallies. I have recently had a small fairground organ made and this is taken to rallies and charity events. 

Why I’m a councillor:

My first involvement with ‘community’ projects came through joining the management committee at Coal Aston Village Hall and then being a parent governor at three of the local schools.

It seemed a natural progression to become involved in local politics and I have enjoyed being a Dronfield Town councillor for the last ten years. It is rewarding to see improvements in the town as a result of discussions and decisions of which I have played a part. 

Current posts:

·        Town/Parish:

o       Gosforth Valley

·        District:

o       n/a

·        County:

o       n/a

Previous accomplishments: