Battle Ward

I was born in the ward I represent; attended Battle School from 1954 to 1966 leaving with one GCE. My first job was as a designer in the studio of one of the town’s major employers, Huntley Boorne & Stevens.

Between 1976 and 1982 I lived and worked in Derbyshire where both of my daughters were born. In 1982 we moved back to West Reading where I have continued to live.

Before being made redundant at the age of 50, I was Pre-press Manager for the LINPAC Metal Packaging Group. In 2007 I became Mayor of Reading and took an unpaid year off from the job I was in at the time in order to devote my time to carrying out my duties as Mayor. After my year as Mayor I chose not to go back to my job but start a degree course in Graphic Design at the University of West London.

Both of my daughters attended local schools, Wilson Primary and Meadway Comprehensive. After leaving Meadway they both went to Reading University where they obtained their degrees. My eldest daughter works for Prudential whilst my youngest daughter works as a teacher at one of the town’s primary schools.

My wife Dorothy was a Deputy Head Teacher at one of the town’s primary schools before taking up the post of Early Years Partnership Project Manager for Reading Borough Council. Her role within the council changed in 2007 when she was appointed Child Care Services Manager. Dorothy is now retired after a career dedicated to educating young people and serving local communities in her role as Child Care Services Manager. I am very proud of my wife.

I have always been a keen sportsman. I have tried my hand at most sports including squash, tennis, hockey and others but mainly played cricket and football for local teams. I was not such a good footballer but I think I was a reasonable local cricketer. Sadly those days are behind me although I still play the odd game of golf but these days I am restricted to supporting Reading FC.

I first started supporting Reading FC when I was 9 but became a lapsed supporter during my mid twenties when love and marriage occupied my life. After the new stadium was built I started supporting my home town team again and have only missed one or two home games since the stadium opened in 1998. On two occasions I have driven back from holiday with my daughter to watch them play at home. My wife thinks we are bonkers!

Reading is important to me, it is where I was born and grew up. I have travelled the country extensively on business and on holiday, I have visited many towns and cities but Reading is the best, it is where I want to live.

I was born in Derby and moved to Reading when I was three. I went to Wilson Primary then Meadway Secondary where I gained 10 GSCEs and 3 A Levels. I then decided to go to the University of Reading where I gained a BSc in Rural Environmental Science.

I worked for Waitrose then joined Prudential which is where I met my husband, Marcel. In 2008 my role was transferred to Capita where I work as a Senior Pension Administrator. I also have a social media job for TotsBots, a cloth nappy company.

It was at Prudential where I became a union rep for Unite (previously MSF and Amicus). As well as being a workplace rep, I am also a fully trained Learning Rep. I have also been a member of the Labour Party since I was 16 and involved locally from a young age.

I married in 2005 and have two sons. The eldest was born in November 2007 and the youngest July 2010.

I have many hobbies. I trained in ballet for 22 years and gained my teaching qualification. I enjoy gardening and growing fruit and vegetables and I am interested in archaeology, geology, history and the environment.

I have lived in Reading, and Battle Ward specifically, almost my entire life. I now live in the heart of the community I represent and I am enjoying being a councillor.