Having been asked to put pen to paper, I found it difficult to know just where to start. I thought long and hard, deciding eventually to keep it relatively short (ish). Are you sitting comfortably, then I’ll begin.

Born in Preston in 195..... (That’s as much as your getting) soon after I was on my travels when the family moved to Leyland where I spent the next 20 odd years, ‘odd’ being the operative word. Brought up in a Catholic family, I was fortunate to be educated at Preston Catholic College where I crossed paths for the first time with Harry Duckworth, our former organist. (Just so there is no confusion, I was the pupil, Harry was the music teacher.) Preston Catholic College had, until its demise, a great reputation for academic achievements, sadly that reputation passed me by somewhat. However, being educated by Jesuit priests did leave a lasting impression. I’m sure I speak for everyone who attended the school, when I say that we left with an excellent education and a sound commonsense approach to life.

After leaving college, I started work as a draughtsman with the then North Western Electricity Board based in Chorley. I must have liked the place because I have been with the company ever since in various roles. It was as a draughtsman that I spent 15 years on secondment in the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh. What a place! What an experience!! (That sand really does get everywhere). During my time there, I was fortunate to visit many parts of the world, including Australia, America, the far east as well as most of the European capitals. It was certainly a great opportunity and one that has proved extremely beneficial over the years. Unfortunately worshipping in Saudi wasn’t easy and at times was slightly nerve-wracking. The Saudi authorities frowned upon meetings of large groups of people, for whatever reason. The popularity of our Sunday evening worship was to be our downfall, as the authorities were advised of our gathering and put a stop to proceedings. We did however continue to worship but in smaller groups.

After 4 years in the desert, I returned to the UK with very mixed feelings. Living, working and travelling abroad really was a tremendous experience but it certainly made me a little restless. However, reality soon set in and life got back to some normality. (I soon had to pay for a suntan like everyone else.)

I am at present, NORWEB’S senior estates and wayleaves (*) officer based at their Hartington Road offices in Preston. The section covers an area from Salford in the South , Garstang in the North and Blackpool in the West to Bacup in the East. With an area as diverse as this, you’ll appreciate that the job brings me into contact with people from all walks of life, landowners especially farmers, developers, solicitors, land agents, local authorities etc. My department acquires all the necessary consents for NORWEB to place, and keep in place, equipment on third party land. The job has, over the years, become increasingly more difficult due mainly to what I would call the "greed" culture, enough said I think.

My Christianity is, and always has been, a major part of my life. After a Catholic background, I became a member of the Methodist church in 1984 whilst worshipping at Wilpshire near Blackburn. It was here that I married in 198l with Gareth’s arrival in 1987. The transfer to Fulwood coinciding with Gareth’s nursery/school years. Unfortunately my marriage didn’t work out, but the family ties remain very strong.

I am currently both a church steward and pastoral visitor, assist in junior church and have recently become a member of the church development group with specific responsibilities for the liaison with the local community. I find the roles extremely rewarding and fulfilling (and they keep me out of trouble), but I have to admit to getting confused sometimes with dates of meetings. (Ask my fellow stewards.)

What about Gareth, he’s now in year 9 at Broughton High School and tells me he loves every minute. (Ah!! Ah!!) He is a very keen sportsman, playing football and cricket for the school, has represented Preston schools at football and is a member of Fulwood and Broughton cricket club. We are both season ticket holders at North End but admit to having a close affinity to another of our local sides just down the road (no, not Blackpool). Despite the advancing years, I still manage to play (very competitively, so Gareth tells me) 6-a-side football on Wednesday nights and cricket for NORWEB as well as assisting with the under 15’s team at Fulwood and Broughton C.C. In fact we are keen on almost any sport with the exception of synchronized swimming.

To end, I would just like to say that Fulwood Methodist has been very kind to me. In difficult times people have always been there for support and it is very reassuring to know that help and assistance is there, if required.

I have found my involvement in the church very rewarding and would recommend it anyone. The church redevelopment is a fantastic project and it is a privilege to be part of the team. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity to be part of something that will ultimately become a facility used and appreciated not only by us, the members, but also by the whole community. Let’s grasp this opportunity and take Fulwood into the next hundred years.

(*) The editor has asked me to explain just what is a wayleave. Well, I deal mainly with two forms of consent, firstly an easement and secondly, a wayleave.

An easement is either granted in perpetuity or for a term of years and is an interest in land. Hence the requirement to register an interest with the land registry. If you search the deeds of a property, the search would show any easements relating to the land in question.

A wayleave however, is a terminable licence, usually on 6 or 12 months notice, allowing for a right of access over land or the right to have equipment on land. NORWEB’S rights are however subject to our statutory rights contained in the electricity act 1989.

If you’d like to know more, please see my agent (joking), or preferably, just ask me.

p.s. (a joke!)

A man takes his pet owl for a game of pool. After a few shots the owl misses the ball. The man says "That’s two hits to me," to which the owl replies "Two hits to who??"