About Me
Early Life
My parents ran the newsagency kiosks on the bus station in Bolton (where I am pictured at the age of 26!!) I spent many hours helping out in the kiosks, as well as proof reading comics and testing the confectionery.
After my Mum sadly died as a result of having Multiple Sclerosis in 1973, interspersed with an ongoing education, Dad and I ran the business until 2000. During that time, I indulged my passion for racing sailboats, being fortunate to compete at national and international level in a variety of boats, most enjoyably the International 470 dinghy.
Later Life
I still enjoy sailing dinghies, owning a GP14 dinghy which I launch from Glasson Sailing Club onto the River Lune, sometimes venturing out into Morecambe Bay. I am also a member of Halifax Sailing Club where I am Membership Secretary and in charge of the club website.
Family
After graduating from Liverpool University, Judith was a journalist with the Wakefield Express newspaper before leaving to start a family, raising daughter Amy and son John in Bradford. She re-started working life as a tutor in ESOL to adults and now runs classes in writing for well-being.
We like to get out into the glorious Calderdale countryside, particularly enjoying cycling on our tandem (see Gallery), going to various kinds of musical and theatrical performances and have recently started attending ballroom dancing classes.
My stepson, John, lives o'er t'hill in Blackpool with his partner Kerry and her daughter Taylor Ann, working for Matalan, whilst my stepdaughter Amy, married to Eliezer, lives in Baildon and has four children; Isabella, Seth, Ineza and Noah. Judith and I enjoy helping out with the family (see Gallery).