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.
Service Record
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From
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To
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Rothesay Castle
Cadet
|
1961
|
8/1961
|
Rowallan Castle
Cadet
|
9/1961
|
3/1962
|
Roxburgh Castle
Cadet
|
4/1962
|
8/1962
|
Clan MacIver
Cadet
|
9/1962
|
12/1962
|
Swartzenfels
Officier Anwärter
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1963
|
1963
|
Clan MacIntyre
Cadet
|
12/1963
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3/1964
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Rothesay Castle
Cadet
|
5/1964
|
7/1964
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