Born in Herefordshire in 1955, I was educated at Ross-on-Wye Grammar School, Herefordshire where I studied Trombone with Mr Ken Farr (the father of Ray Farr, well known in the Brass Band World and Paul Farr, formerly with the Halle Orchestra and now Co-Principal Horn of the Stavanger Symphony Orchestra in Norway.) During this time I was selected to play with the Herefordshire Youth Orchestra and this was to be the stepping stone to joining the Royal Marines Band Service in September 1970. For the next 2 years 8 months and a swift change of instruments, I studied the Horn at the Royal Marines School of Music, Deal, Kent with Professor Walter Hargreaves. I completed training in 1973 having achieved excellent results throughout my training, winning the French Horn Prize and the Aural Cup. 

My first posting was to the Royal Marines Band in Plymouth where I served until April 1985. I then moved back to the Royal Marines School of Music at Deal, where I was appointed Principal Horn to the Staff Band RMSM. Whilst at the Plymouth Band, I saw active service on board SS Canberra during the Falklands War and was presented with the South Atlantic Medal with Rosette. During my time with the Royal Marines, I was fortunate to visit some 28 different countries in the world including the USA, Canada, Australia, Russia, Iran, Oman, Cyprus, Malta, Norway and many others! I retired in July 1996 after 26 eventful and memorable years.

In December 1996, I took up the historic appointment of Town Sergeant to the Town & Cinque Port of Dover. After 13 years as Town Sergeant, I have decided to devote my time to music. I am so pleased that I have re-discovered the Horn! In April 2009, I was appointed Principal Horn of the Central Band of the Royal British Legion in London.  I play a beautiful hand-made German 'Migma' gold-brass 5 valve compensator in F/Bb/A+ by Fritz Petzold. In addition to playing, I get a lot of pleasure listening to music. I especially enjoy Mahler, Richard Strauss, Bruckner and the music of Vaughan Williams and Elgar. I am married with 2 sons, a daughter and a grand-daughter. I live in the village of Great Mongeham near Deal, Kent. I enjoy walking, classical music and sport. I am a member of Kent County Cricket Club.