I entered Portsmouth Dockyard in 1963 as a shipfitter apprentice. The apprenticeship was for 4 years. Attended the Dockyard Technical College and gained the qualifications required for becoming a draughtsman. Joined the Dockyard Drawing Office in 1971. Transferred to the MoD establishment Foxhill, Bath, in January 1973. I took on some trade union duties in 1987 and became a full time lay representative for the IPCS (now Prospect)in 1991. Transferred to the MoD establishment Abbey Wood, North Bristol in 1996 but continued to live in Bath. Retired in 2006. Continue to live in Bath with my wife Ros and 2 children, Laura and Jack.

I became a vegetarian when I was 19. My father had become a vegetarian a few years before when he joined the Rosicrucian Fellowship (based Oceanside, California). Joined the British Vegetarian Youth Movement (BVYM)in 1966. The creation of the Vegetarian Society (UK) a year later lead to becoming a member of the Youth Section of the VS(UK). Enjoyed many happy years with the Youth Section. Travelled to Parkdale, the VS(UK) H/Q, for many a good YS weekend. Good YS parties at the London offices in Marloes Rd. Made many good friends. Met my wife Ros through the Youth Section. We married in 1981.