Originally from Southport I came down to live in Stroud in 1975 seeking fame and fortune. I got married to Dee in 1977, and we have two daughters, Natasha and Emily and lately two grandsons called Dexter and Reuben, and a granddaughter named Róisín. I worked in the local textile industry starting at the bottom and working my way up until after 15 years I moved into Health and Safety. After 28 years with the same firm I was made redundant. Overnight almost, I resurfaced as a consultant for a local firm and became a Chartered Member of IOSH. I was ordained Deacon by Bishop Mervyn Alexander on 24th January 1996 after four years of training. Deacons can Baptise, and where delegated preside at weddings, conduct funerals and are ordinary ministers of the Eucharist.