My chosen career path in horticulture has primarily been through the amenity sector working in public parks and open spaces. I have a real commitment to the provision of public open space for communities and to the benefits that those communities can derive from them.

My working life started in Dartford, Kent when I joined the Parks Department there in 1973. In 1974 I went to Askham Bryan College and took their HND in Landscape and Horticultural Technology. The course included a work placement, which I undertook in Milton Keynes. When the opportunity came to return in the late 70's I did. The expansion and growth of the New Town gave me the opportunity to develop my carer. Such that I finished that career as the Landscape Manager for Milton Keynes Council managing its open space assets.

My involvement with Bloom started when I was part of the team that entered Milton Keynes into Bloom and this would probably include my proudest moment when in my own right as Landscape Manager Milton Keynes secured a Gold medal.

As I approached retirement a move towards judging the Bloom seemed obvious. This not only gives me the opportunity to continue my involvement in horticulture but to give something back as well.

I live in Bedfordshire, am married to Gillian and have two grown up sons and three grandsons.

As well as my garden, my hobbies include running and maintaining a number of older cars.

My favourite plant is possibly the Sorbus aucuparia (Mountain Ash / Rowan). A small tree that gives pleasure all year round. Flowers in the Spring, fruit in the Autumn together with glorious colour. Truly a plant for all seasons. My love for this plant goes all the way back to planting them in Milton Keynes in the mid 1970's.