I was born in Birmingham, in the West Midlands of the UK, in 1950. After attending Bournville Grammar School, I began working at Cadbury's in Bournville, in the BYC (Bournville Youth Club) office, while studying on day release at Bournville College. Many members of my family—including most of my aunts, uncles, and my mother—also worked for Cadbury's.

After leaving Cadbury's, I pursued several different careers, including roles in supermarkets, the Civil Service, and even a period working as a Private Detective. My longest role was a 30-year career with a charity, after which I worked as a Driving Instructor until my retirement.

I caught the genealogy bug at a very young age and spent much of my free time researching in local libraries and record offices.

I have recently published an ebook chronicling my early research into the Hore, Hoare, Hord, and Hoard family from 12th-century Oxford.

These free publications are available at:

https://archive.org/details/origins-of-the-hore-family-from-12th-century-oxford_20240323

and

https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/records/item/1013625-origins-of-the-hore-family-from-12th-century-oxford-and-their-many-descendants-in-england-and-the-colony-of-virginia?offset=11