They say life begins at 40 but in many ways life begins when you retire!!

Having said that, I’ve always been an active volunteer, throughout my working life. I enjoy meeting people and hearing their stories and that’s what inspires me to get involved.

I grew up in Radford, Nottingham, as did my family, so the area is very special to me.

At present, I’m supporting the projects below as a volunteer and also write for the Bygones section of the Nottingham Evening Post. In addition, I’m a member of the local history society and writers’ club.

1967 – Present Day

My mother was partially blind so I’ve always been happy to work as a volunteer and fund raiser for the Nottingham Royal Society for the Blind.

1994 – Present Day

As a Radford lad myself, I’ve enjoyed volunteering at NDC (New Deal for Communities) – an organisation which aims to improve life in the area I grew up in. For example, I’ve written stories for NDC’s community magazine and given talks in care homes for the elderly, encouraging people to relive and share their memories.

Recently, I also started volunteering at the Partnership Council, a Radford-based charity supporting local people and projects. I write stories for the charity’s newsletter and website and have also donated some of my books to help raise funds for the charity’s projects.

February 2009 – January 2010

Inspired by my own relative and Victoria Cross hero, Anthony Clarke Booth, I launched a campaign to ensure that all Nottingham’s Victoria Cross holders are properly known, recognised and celebrated. As part of this, I sat on the resulting Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Victoria Cross Committee last year. To read the full story please visit the Victoria Cross project section of the website.

1984 – 2007

I was a volunteer and trustee of the Ashfield Volunteer Centre, Kirkby in Ashfield, for 23 years.

1970 – 1977

I sat on the Police Consultative Committee, Kirkby in Ashfield, for 7 years.

1970 – 1974

In the same decade, I was also the Chairman and Treasurer of the Kirkby in Ashfield Arthritis Committee.