I attended Colston’s School from 1950 to 56 and since we attended as day boys seven day a week there was no time for outside activities.  During the week start time was 8.30am and finish at 6pm. Then home for supper and prep. School introduced me to Rugby, Cricket and cross country running. I gained my colours for the running but did not carry on when I left but fortunately for me, I started my relationship with the Rugby Club which has lasted to this day. 

Apart from playing I was secretary of the sports club for many years and became involved in its progress over many years. We went from a small hut with no electricity, but gas lighting and a coke fired boiler to an ex-RAF hut which had been used as a chicken shed to an updated building with electricity and proper showers. The turning point in the club was the sale of some land which enabled us to have a new club house, move back to the school for rugby and have monies to assist with many bursaries. Many OC’S were involved in this progress and special thanks to those who had the foresight to purchase the land.

 On leaving school I decided that I wished to further my education by studying at night school for an Accountancy qualification and so joined the Butler Oil group in Bristol as a trainee. Subsequently to gain experience I moved to Huggins of Bristol who were uniform contractors. Due to my age I was called up for National Service and this is where my experience at Colston's stood me in good stead. Six years of Army Cadets under the care of an ex RSM from the Coldstream Guards left me with no surprises in the Army. I was fortunate in being posted to MOD War Office in Whitehall. Fortunately, I was able to continue my studies. 

On leaving the Army I returned to Bristol, but my experience showed me that being a team player was most important. I subsequently joined the Lloyds Banking group and was encouraged to complete my Institute of Bankers qualifications. As an operation manager in the industrial division it was most important to be a team player. This was something I learnt at Colston’s to react to your teams’ problems and hopefully seek solutions. After some 35 years in various roles in the southwest I retired. 

During my career I have always kept in touch with the OCs, served as President and sat on many committee meetings. Friends made both at school and with the club and society are always there for one. In retirement I have enjoyed being with the grandchildren and Rotary became part of my life. I enjoy the fundraising, meeting the public and helping those less fortunate (Service above self).  On my return to the Bath area I became a school governor which is certainly challenging, and which keeps my brain in gear. I still find the OC committee meetings most informative and interesting in how we move forward. I also enjoy meeting up with friends who I have known for many years at the meetings.