I was born in Rugby, Warwickshire, England on 22nd May 1960. I joined the Coldstream Guards as a junior recruit at the age of 16. I traveled the world in the Army and this was my life career but after an accident whilst in Germany I eventually had to leave my dream career and left the Army in May 1984. On leaving the Army I had several jobs and found being a "civvy" extremely hard but eventually settled into my life outside the Army.

I met my wife, Joan who is Welsh and was born in Llandudno, when we were both on holiday in Tunisia in December 1989. We married the following November and have been married 21 years this year!!! One holiday romance that worked and lasted!!! We lived in Manchester, where Joan was living,   until 1991 then moved back to my home town. In late 2006 Joan was offered early retirement from BT and we decided we could now live our dream and moved to Lanzarote in May 2007. We bought a bar which was great fun but we sold it as it was becoming too much for us.

Time for me to decide on what direction I wanted to take. I had always loved working with wood and as a friend was selling his lathe so I bought the lathe and started my new direction!!! I soon realized this is what I really wanted to do and I love it. I watched DVD's made by Richard Raffen, went onto UTube and slowly gained confidence. All the advice, support and patience received from you all has been a huge help and I appreciate it very much.

I looked into obtaining a Spanish Government Licence, "Aretsano de Cabildo del Lanzarote" about a year after I had strated turning. I went through all the procedures, with the help of a Spanish friend to make sure I understood all the documents!!, and after the official inspection of my workshop and work I was awarded my licence. I now have a stall on two Artesian markets, Haria and Teguise, and I am selling my pieces which is such a great feeling!!! People liking my work!!!! Joan also is involved with the stalls and we both love doing them. Having this licence I do not pay any fees to be on these markets, which is all good.

So my wife and I are very happy living our dream here on Lanzarote with our 3 cats!!!! I love what I am doing and am so thrilled that something I enjoy and love doing is also being appreciated by other people.

I am so honored to be chosen as September 2011 featured member. This means so much to me, thank you.