Your Stories

With nearly 30 years as a firefighter I am committed to public service and protecting the North East public from all dangers in the home, on the region's roads, at work – wherever they are.

I hope that - the economic downturn upturns, Newcastle and Sunderland remain in the Premiership, the weather improves so I can play more golf, myself and my family enjoy good health.

Serving the public – sounds corny but that's what it's all about – keeping people safe, educating them to avoid danger, being there when things go wrong.

Not much really – 30 years have flown by!!

Litter, people driving whilst on their mobile phone, dog fouling.

I was born and brought up in Whickham during the 60s and 70s when it was a real village and I feel that Burnopfield retains some of the qualities that Whickham has lost since it expanded. However, the dynamics and values of village life have changed with social progression and, with full-time jobs and busy family lives, people are not always capable of contributing to the village ethic – self included.

Gregarious, sincere, fair.

Photos, description of life at the time.

I must admit I like to have a drink therefore – beer first, red wine second. However, Sunday dinners are also pretty special and so is being a Geordie and living in the North East – could be a bit warmer though!!

Always a firefighter – always!!

Families are important. I am the youngest of four children and my mother is still going strong (ish) at 87 therefore my family means more to me as we all grow older. My wife Joan and our kids Mark and Jayne are great. Joan is a manager with HSBC and works at TVTE. Mark is doing three A levels and Jayne is taking her GCSE options in 2009. Life is hectic but we always find a little time for us all at some point during the week.

Office boy with the view to becoming an accountant – I took exams and was quite successful but the fire service was always my goal.

My wife talking in her sleep!! Nothing much – really quite contented.

Somebody slim with lots of food! It would be a nightmare to get stuck in a lift as the firefighters coming to free me would never let me live it down. Seriously – any top sportsman.

Impatient driver.

Willing to help with almost any good cause.

Friendly, approachable.

Two great kids.

Not getting into IT when I was a college student in 1977.

Golf course.

Learn to play music – maybe guitar or keyboard - and to learn a foreign language.

Death of my father in 2001.

Too many to mention.

Better weather in the UK! Three or four months of dry warm weather through the summer would make everyone feel better.

De-politicise politics and get everyone to work for one goal – the good of the country (or their country). Wow! That's heavy!!