My career in languages began with VSO in Madagascar teaching English, followed by two years teaching French in Nigeria. My career in education continued for a further 12 years, culminating in head of languages in secondary schools, senior examiner in French at GCE O-level. My second career was as a chartered accountant. The two streams combined when I joined the United Nations in Vienna, first as a translator and then in Financial and General Services.

On leaving the UN, I worked as a management consultant in various European countries, mainly under the EU umbrella, as well as lecturing on budget management for the Crown Agents in the UK.

In parallel, I have worked as a free-lance translator and editor

For many years I was actively involved in amateur dramatics, and have qualifications from the London School of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) including a Gold Medal (Hons) for the speaking of verse and prose.

My volunteering activities range from VSO in Madagascar to, most recently, volunteer reader, recording for Talking Newspapers for the Blind (RNIB) and governor of the local primary school.

I now live in a converted oasthouse in Kent with my wife, 3 dogs, 4 cats, 4 rabbits and a flock of chickens.