My journey as a Christian began as a child, attending a Church of England primary school in Burslem. I believe that the Message of Jesus Christ that came from those humble beginnings established in me a personal ministry, but also an enduring legacy to help others that I have tried to maintain throughout my life.
After sixteen years in the teaching profession as Head of department in a local high school, I took on the mantel of area manager for both youth work and Principal of the Adult Education centre in Uttoxeter.
Further work with young people encompassed the role of Youth Development officer for Staffordshire County Council, prior to becoming the second Deputy Head of the Youth Offending service within the same authority. My interest in vulnerable young people and the impact upon local communities took me to Cheshire where I was County Manager for the Community Safety Department. This broad experience provided a good basis for my final role prior to retiring, where I was senior national adviser for Community Safety, working within an organisation operating on behalf of the Home Office.
Upon moving to Forsbrook in 1985, our family became regular attendees at All Saints Church in Dilhorne. By association, I was confirmed there as an adult, and sat upon the PCC for the church. More recently, I have represented the Caverswall, Weston Coyney and Dilhorne Benefice as a member of the Shaping for Mission team that have devised a route map for the future planning of the fourteen churches across the Cheadle Deanery district.
My wife Janice and I have two sons. Having served in the Territorial Army and later Cadet forces as an Officer, life has taught me and our children to always follow ‘the dream’ whatever that might be.