My story starts on 1 August 1964 being born in the City of London like many generations of my family before me - I therefore consider myself a proud and indigenous Londoner as well as a true Cockney. I had a wonderful childhood and grew up in Islington with fantastic parents, a couple of brothers and my maternal grandmother. We lived there until the mid-80’s when we moved to a North London suburb however, I returned to my roots in the late 90’s where I still reside.
After leaving school at 18, most of my working career was spent either employed by Local Government organisations or private contractors in and around London. My specialism was in maintaining and improving public areas in which we walk, cycle, scoot, drive, enjoy, rest and play (and this is not an advertisement for a Mars Bar). Not many professions can say that they touch people’s lives by the simple act of leaving their front door.I consider myself an extremely fortunate person to say that I have managed to achieve many of my professional goals, having worked with some talented individuals as well as wonderful organisations in delivering a number complex and challenging public realm projects in central London.
My spare time is mostly spent socialising, travelling, watching sport (including snooker, darts, cricket and golf), occasionally watching vintage television, regularly exercising, acting as the Treasurer for my local resident’s association and my favourite pastime of all is chatting to anyone and everyone who will engage or just put up with me.
As you can ascertain from what I have said so far, London has always been central to me in terms of education, working and family life so to be part of this Worshipful Livery Company with its strong traditions and fellowship just adds to the rich tapestry of my life.
I cannot conclude without mentioning my late Mum who had a major influence on me in more ways than I could ever say. It was always her aspiration for me to become a Freeman of this City so to have achieved this ambition makes me exceptionally proud.