I left Eastwood Hall Park in January 1961, after just one term in the sixth form, to join the Merchant Navy.

Following three months at nautical college in London, I began my career at sea as a deck officer cadet with the British & Commonwealth Group, serving aboard ships from the Union Castle and Clan Line fleets. This was a time when Britain still boasted a substantial merchant fleet, and I’ve always considered myself fortunate to have been part of it.

After completing my cadetship and passing my Second Mates’ exams, I left life at sea to marry and pursue a new path in accountancy.

I qualified as a Chartered Certified Accountant and spent 25 years working in the NHS, including 15 years as a Health Authority Director of Finance.

Following early retirement from the NHS, I took on the role of financial controller at a further education college before moving into freelance work as a management consultant in the education sector.

Now fully retired, I live in southwest France with my wife, Val. We enjoy a quieter life here and cherish visits from our son, daughter, and five grandchildren.

MS Swartzenfels at anchor Aden I spent ten months on this ship as an Officier Anwärter (Deck Cadet) on voyages to Europe and the Far East.

This was part of an exchange with the German shipping company Hansa Line.