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The Sailor. The Engineer. The Family Man.
My life began in Northumberland, but I grew up in Staffordshire, moving there when I was very young. The war years framed my childhood, with restrictions and challenges, but I found joy in sailing. This passion started early and stayed with me well into my eighties.
School was an adventure of its own, from prep school to a boarding school that felt like a Soviet labour camp. Immediately after, I went into the army for my national service. After serving, I headed to university and started my career.
One of my fondest memories from childhood was sailing with a keen science master we called ‘The Admiral’. He took us to places like the Norfolk Broads, instilling in me a lifelong love for the water. I enjoyed sports too, though I wasn’t an exceptional athlete.
After graduating from Cambridge, my first job was as a paint chemist in West Ham. But London life on £506 a year was tough, so I took a chance on a job advertisement and ended up working in Trinidad as a trainee petroleum engineer. My wife and I loved it there, despite being perpetually broke. When she became pregnant, we returned to England and, after a short stay, moved to Kuwait for what was supposed to be a three-year stint. We ended up staying for ten years, where I worked for the Kuwait Oil Company and then BP.
Our journey took us and our three children to Colombia, then Alaska, and back to Kuwait. Alaska was particularly memorable, with its unique challenges and the Arctic Circle adventures my wife and I shared. Eventually, I found myself managing large-scale projects in the North Sea and joined BP’s board before retiring.
Richmond Villages became our haven when my wife’s dementia made it clear we needed extra care. We had a beautiful old vicarage in Devon, but it became too much to manage. Our son recommended Richmond Villages, and it was the perfect fit. My wife moved into the Bupa care home while I stayed in assisted living, allowing me to see her daily.
Richmond Villages offers a fantastic blend of independence and community that’s been invaluable. I teach bridge to residents, enjoy social events, and appreciate the staff’s kindness and support. The transition was smooth, and the community here has been a great comfort, especially after my wife passed away in 2020.
My advice? Don’t wait too long to find a place like Richmond Villages. The community and care make all the difference.
Enjoy 2 nights for FREE
Experience the delights of our Richmond Villages and try the lifestyle out for size. We are offering you the chance to stay for two nights, three full days, with all your meals included PLUS use of spa facilities – for FREE. You’ll never want to leave!