It's always a tricky decision deciding what personal information to put on the web, and I hope I've struck a suitable balance while giving the inquisitive visitor a useful outline of this site's owner and developer.
Who am I ?
I'm an Englishman who, having somehow avoided marriage and kids, was able to retire even before hitting the big 50,
after working many years as a Capacity Planning and Performance consultant,
primarily with large mainframe computers.
Previously I'd spent time working as a Financial Analyst, Managing a large PC network, Managing Operational Statistics, Assistant Fleet Controller, a Full time union official,
and even a stint in personnel.
I've always disliked pictures of myself, so very few exist, but this site needed an up to date one, so here it is:-
What are my Interests?
I no longer play any sport competitively, but do actively keep fit and eat healthily(mainly!). I maintain an active interest in most things, but chiefly(in no particular order):-- CRICKET - I follow Middlesex (played for their colts), Yorkshire (I grew up admiring Brian Close and Geoff Boycott's talents), and Essex as I now live there ! I had the pleasure of playing(Off-spinner) at Brondesbury (in London) for many years, including skippering Mike Gatting on one occasion. Managed to finish one season with the Access team with a batting average over 100, and had career best bowling figures of 5 overs, 5 Maidens, 7 wickets for 0 runs .
- FOOTBALL - I've been a lifelong Spurs fan, admiring the style of play, but wishing we'd win a few more trophies, like in the 60s and 70s!
- SNOOKER - Definitely a Jimmy White fan, but sad that he never won the World Championship. Some years ago I broke the magic 100 barrier, realised that was about my limit so effectively stopped playing competitively.
- COMPUTERS - Just about all aspects, I have a small network, program in a variety of languages and try to keep up with most developments.
- GRAPHICS/DRAWING - Used to draw quite a bit but now have more interest in all types of graphics(particularly computer based). I like the CorelDraw suite but wish they would test their code better BEFORE they release the new version.
- EATING OUT - I enjoy good food, particularly Chinese, and am very partial to a good vintage port(particularly the 1955). I also have a penchant for a variety of real ales
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CINEMA - Don't go as much as I'd like now. Favourite films include:-
Some like it hot, Lord of the Rings trilogy, the old Ealing comedies,
The Crow, High Noon, Shrek, BladeRunner and Get Carter.
- MUSIC - Fairly broad taste ranging from some classical, through jazz/swing, most 60s, up to modern artists such as Snow Patrol, Corrine Bailey Rae, Norah Jones, Scissor Sisters and the Fratellis. My all time favourite singer would have to be the incomparable Nat 'King' Cole. My collection currently exceeds 24,000 tracks.
- GAMES - I used to play Dungeons and Dragons (thanks to George Heywood) but now I occasionally enjoy the computerised versions as they are always available when I the have time ! I was a great fan of the Ultima series and later Age of Empires which was probably one of the best games ever in terms of game play. Recently I've enjoyed Guild Wars, Oblivion, The Witcher and Runes of Magic.
- POETRY - Traditionalist, particularly like Byron. I haven't written anything for many years, lack of time or maybe I haven't had any real inspiration.
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BRIDGE - I used to play at a very high level(Camrose trialist) but retired from
the tournament scene shortly after moving to Southend - it was too difficult to
get regular quality games. Have only played a handful of games in the last 10
years.
A few of my bridge memories. - PUZZLES(Logic/Maths) - Really satisfying cracking a tricky one.
- SCIENCE - I try to keep abreast of major scientific developments in most fields.
- SCIENCE FICTION - Isaac Asimov fan, also enjoy most science fiction films/TV. Particularly enjoy StarTrek(original and TNG) and Babylon 5.
- HISTORY - Avid reader of material about ancient civilisations, particularly Greek and Roman.