Janette, my long suffering wife and I moved to Sandbach in 2016. We have 2
daughters one of whom lives in Sandbach with her husband and son. I have had a very varied career initially working as a social worker but for most of my working life I was an “organisational development” consultant which basically meant helping organisations (private, public and third sector) to grow and become better at what they do. As such I have been a director/trustee of several organisations over the years. In In 2013 Janette and I became foster parents caring mostly for teenagers.
Some people would describe me as an audiophile because I love listening to music; primarily classical and opera. Brass band music is also a great favourite of mine but frankly I am happy to listen to most genres. I am a member of the U3A brass band. This love of music has also led me to become the Secretary of the Malcolm Arnold Society. Malcolm was active in the latter half of the 1900s and composed a wide variety of classical, film (he won an Oscar for the score of “Bridge Over the River Kwai”) and brass band music. I am currently working with Foden’s band to produce a CD of Malcolm’s music for brass. I do need to make it clear that I am in no way good enough to play in Foden’s band though.
I have also been a brewer of home brew beer for many years. I helped form a local buying collective to purchase home brew ingredients at a significantly lower cost and was a tour guide at Robinson’s Brewery for a few years.
I am totally delighted to become an officer and trustee of the Sandbach U3A, an organisation that impacts for the good the lives of so many people. I know that many people, like myself, have developed great friendships through the membership of U3A and I hope to be able to support the group leaders, volunteers and other trustees to continue the U3A’s great work.