The person behind the red coat
I have been happily married for over 40 years and I am a proud father of two children and grandfather of four grandchildren.
The first thirty years of my adult working life were spent as a police officer in many highly stressful and action-packed roles. My last 10 years or so were spent as an advanced investigator and an advanced interviewer. This time included supervising a ‘Special Investigation Unit’ dealing with many sensitive, complex and life-changing situations for those involved.
On retiring I worked as a Coroner’s Officer for three years before becoming a full-time professional toastmaster.
In my spare time I have spent many enjoyable years taking part in every aspect of SCUBA diving. This included teaching and examining diving instructors in many exotic locations in the UK and around the world.
I believe that all of this has equipped me with many skills and attributes which I bring to my work as toastmaster – patience, diplomacy, detailed planning and preparation, a high level of communication skills, confidence, flexibility and pride in appearance.
I became a professional toastmaster in 2006 and, since passing an initial training course, have subsequently passed another three levels of exams and assessments to become a Fellow of the National Association of Toastmasters. I was honoured to have been elected as their President from 2015 to 2016 and again from 2020 to 2022. I am also honoured to have been admitted as a member of the prestigious Society of London Toastmasters.
I believe that every wedding, and every event, is unique and special and also very important to those involved. I continue to feel very privileged to have been trusted to assist at these lovely occasions.
My work is so interesting and I never stop learning. I do love my job!