Camera Repairs

I started off as a camera repair engineer, technician, call it what you will. If anyone remembers the Olympus OM1, Pentax ME Super, Zenith E and that era, well I repaired loads of them.

Computer Nerdy Guy

I moved on to the world of computers. I worked for Wang, the foremost American computer company in the silly name category.

They were a huge company, and I worked on large computer systems like the VS100 that ran British Rail, Austin Rover etc.

With the advent of the PC, Wang missed the boat, in fact they didn't even get down to the docks in time to wave it off.

Derelict House Restorer

Having done the best part of ten years messing about with computers I decided it was time to do a bit of what I fancied.

I bought a pretty derelict house so I could have a tiny mortgage. With manageable money worries I restored it to a livable condition - and then lived in it.

Furniture Maker

I then set up my own workshop on site to design and make furniture. I did this for a few years.

I made quite a few pieces I was very proud of, like this oak and steel curved reception desk for a hair salon (they are still using it some 15 years later and its looking good) but it was a struggle to make much money.

Eclecticist

When the furniture making wasn't bringing in sufficient dollar, I worked as a landscape gardener, glider repairer; I pretty much did anything for money - a kind gun for hire, but without the gun.

Garden Trugs

I designed an oak garden trug (basket) and began making those in my workshop. They were given a full page feature in the Telegraph colour supplement as an 'object of desire' and I ended up hand making loads of the little buggers, but at least it paid the bills for a while.

College

Fed up with making ever more trugs I landed a job at the local college where I taught IT for two days a week.

This gave me chance to have a small but regular income whilst I spent three days a week on something I always wanted to do - write.

Comedy Writer

I teamed up with a co-writer and started pumping stuff out and sending it to Radio 4.

I eventually ended up as a regular writer for three series of Parsons and Naylor's Pull out Sections on Radio 2 - a topical comedy sketch show (Andy Parsons now does Mock the Week)

I then wrote for several Radio 4 sketch shows including Concrete Cow with Rob Webb, The Right Time and Dead Ringers. I eventually ended up writing for Pam Ayers Radio 4 shows Ayres on the Air (Pam wrote her own poems and anecdotes, whilst myself and partner wrote accompanying sketches which Pam played out along with Geoffrey Whitehead and Felicity Montague). We wrote three series (about 18 shows) before writing an original six part sitcom, Potting On, featuring the same team. This was aired on Radio 4 a couple of years back.

I also contributed sketches to Man Stroke Woman and Revolver on TV.

Self Designer Builder

I really wanted to build the extension to my home that was not feasible when I originally renovated it, so when myself and my writing partner decided to go our own ways, I turned my attention to building the extension.

I started off wondering how much I could do myself, but soon thought, heck, what's the worst that can happen? Fortunately, I didn't spend too long trying to answer the question before committing to doing everything myself from start to finish. (I will finish, honest)

Web Master

I started this website to share with others because I found it hard to find a lot of information I wanted. I also wanted to make a diary to look back on in due course.

I like keeping up to date with the latest web design tools so doing this was right up my street.

More Writing

Feeling I wanted to keep my fingers in the commercial writing pie (there is no writing pie - I made that up) I wrote an article for Self Build & Design Magazine, which was published and paid for - hoorah!

Since which time I have been approached by Yell.com and now have a twelve month contract to write building related case studies for them.

The Future

Once the extension is finished I would like to get back to writing some comedy.

I would also like to get back into my running and cycling, and maybe design and build my own carbon fibre race bike frame - really, what's the worst that can happen?

I have also spent a little time making and using solar ovens. I think I would like to do more of that and maybe start a new website about making and using the ovens.

If I get enough interest I may also start a new step by step website teaching people how to create their own website. You can register interest from my main menu.