My philosophy

Leave your corner of the world and those in it better and happier than they were before you came.

I suppose I have always thought of others before myself as much as I possibly could. There have been many times when I have been selfish, and I regret that, but on balance I think I have been more selfless and as far as possible put everyone else first.

When I think of my life it was never right until Janet came into it. We have been married for 36 years now and we have four children. My family are the centre of my life and my reason for being. Everything I do has them at the forefront of my mind, and I have always tried to make things better for them. Life being what it is, that’s not been possible a lot of the time in a world where only the rich have influence and they use it for selfish ends. That is why I mentioned my corner of the world. I know that in Janet I have had the best possible partner and it is her who has given me the opportunity to do my best. My children are all grown up now and, to the extent we could we have given them a secure basis for their own lives.

As a teacher I have walked into every lesson intent on making things easier educationally for my students and I have been as supportive as possible to make their lives easier and more rewarding. I have not always succeeded but I have always tried. I also tried to be a good colleague, not just as a professional but also as someone who made work more enjoyable with my fixation on Christmas and my Cucumber Relish 🤣🤣. The fact that a number of my students and colleagues have kept in touch indicates that I have done OK in that sense.

In short, if you are in my life I will try my best to put you first and to make your life better if I can. I’m not sure that’s always possible but where it is, I will make that happen.