About Me

I was born and raised in Knott End and whilst I have not lived in Knott End all my life I certainly intend to do so.

I attended Carter's Charity School, Preesall before attending Fleetwood Grammar School. I now have the great pleasure of being the Chairman of Governors at Carter's, a role I care deeply about.

My first job was Pandoro Ltd in Fleetwood working in the shipping department before being promoted to the Commercial Office. The great thing about living in Knott End and working in Fleetwood was I could travel to work on the Knott End Ferry. I didn't have to worry about traffic hold ups on the A585, but you had to know what time the tide was to decide whether you took your wellies or not.

From Pandoro I went to another Shipping and Road Haulage Company called Roadferry. So i had to travel further afield to both Preston and Heysham as well as travelling from one end of the country to the other , or flying to Ireland for the occasional meeting in what seemed to be a plane powered by elastic bands.

In 1991 I joined the Civil Service, working for the then Benefits Agency, Disability Carers Service and now Pensions Disability Carers Service at Warbreck House and Norcross.

My family has a long standing association with Knott End with my grandparents taking ownership of Knott End Cafe in 1946. My parents Ramsay and Sheila took over the business in 1953 and now my brother Stephen and sister in law Jean are the proud owners.

I have always been interested in politics, but just didn't know it. I am always surprised when I am out canvassing by people telling me that they have no interest in politics. To me politics is involved in everything we do, from how much tax we pay to what schools children attend.

I care deeply about the place where I live and wanted to help make a difference. I decided that I didn't have the right to complain about things I didn't agree with unless I was prepared to put my money where my mouth was.

I decided to stand as a councillor for Knott End and Preesall and was elected to both Preesall Town Council and Wyre Borough Council in 1999.

I had the privilege of being the Mayor of Preesall in 2002-03.

I would like to see more Police presence on our streets, cleaner pavements and play areas and improved facilities for the youth of our community. I have been a strong supporter for the Knott End Ferry and was delighted when the new ferry came into operation. I campaigned to stop the Gas Storage in Preesall and travelled to Brussels to highlight the concerns of residents to the European Parliament.


I am proud to be a patron of the St Oswalds Dramatists. The shows the SODs put on are truly amazing. I am also a member of Preesall & Knott End Youth and Community Association.

The best thing about being a councillor is being involved in the day to day running of the borough the worst thing is the frustration at the speed it takes for change to happen. I am most proud of the new Cleveleys Sea Defence improvements. A development that will not only protect our residents from the Irish Sea but also provide a beautiful waterfront development for residents and visitors to experience.

If you have difficulty getting in touch with me it could be that I am either attending a meeting at Wyre Borough or enjoying a relaxing sail out in Morecambe Bay, riding my bicycle or walking along the River Wyre estuary. Who would want to live anywhere else.