Raised on a farm in the South Downs, I developed a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for the countryside from an early age. After studying at Agricultural College in the late 1960s, I gained practical farming experience before joining the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, where I worked at a leading animal disease research centre.

Alongside my professional career, I cultivated a growing passion for family and military history, which ultimately inspired a major career change. In 1987, I was appointed Manager of Newhaven Fort in Sussex, an important scheduled monument with considerable historical significance. I led the extensive preparations required to open the fort to the public in 1988 and went on to manage and develop the site for the next fifteen years, helping to preserve its heritage and share its remarkable story with thousands of visitors

Since retiring, I have developed a range of talks which I give to a wide variety of groups and organisations, including Family /Local History Groups, U3A, Royal British Legion, National Trust Associations, East and West Sussex Record Offices and Support Groups, Preservation Societies, Horticultural Clubs, Probus Clubs, CPRE, National Farmers Union, Society of Genealogists, Sussex Family History Group, South Downs National Park, Women's Institutes (accredited speaker for East and West Sussex) and Natural History groups.

My talks are regarded as being both informative and entertaining.