I am a proud Geordie, having lived all my life in the area.
After leaving school at 16, I trained as a Chartered Accountant. After working for various firms I spent a number of years as a Finance Director for two different companies before leaving to set up my own practice. I ran that, either on my own or in partnership, for 30 years, until retirement. During that time I served on the Board of the NE Chamber of Commerce and the Committee of the Northern Society of Chartered Accountants. I can count myself very fortunate in having had a job that gave me great satisfaction and introduced me, over the years, to an interesting and sometimes, challenging, range of different businesses and not-for-profit organisations.
I am married with two grown-up children, one young grandchild and a very boisterous puppy!
​
In addition to my work with the Elders Council, I am a trustee and treasurer with three other local charities and spend my leisure time watching live entertainment, swearing at Newcastle United and doing the same to a golf ball!