I’ve spent my working life in education one way or another. The first stage was teaching science, including three years teaching in New York City; then a long time in teacher education at Manchester Metropolitan University; then finally working independently as a writer, publisher and teacher. I’ve had the great privilege of being invited all over the world to teach teachers in other countries, and after starting work in 1971 I’m finally getting close to retirement!

I moved to Sandbach in 1992 and feel a great sense of belonging. Being involved as a school governor, reading at the Talking Newspaper, and being a member of the Clean Team are all part of belonging here. Some of you might have visited my lovely garden at a previous house in Mill Hill Lane as part of Sandbach Garden Trail. Tricia and I are now in the process of creating a very much smaller but equally lovely garden in Belmont Avenue. I held a humanist funeral for my late wife at Sandbach School where Brenda was a governor for many years, and when I remarried in 2018 the obvious thing to do was have a humanist wedding with Tricia at Sandbach School.

I’ve been on the Committee since 20219 and became chair in 2020. After more than three very enjoyable years as chair, I’m now secretary. Being secretary is a role that involves providing support for other trustees. This includes the obvious things like preparing papers for meetings, taking minutes and so on. It includes liaising with other organisations, such as the Third Age Trust and Charity Commission, as well as other local u3as. And most of all it includes working with the chair and vice chair to take responsibility for the strategic direction of our u3a, working with the rest of the trustees to ensure that our u3a is a well-managed and thriving organisation.