Biography

Born in the South but moved to Yorkshire as a child and have lived & worked in the  area ever since…

I have no allegiance to any political party although I’m probably a little more blue than red. Like others, I have become increasingly disillusioned with many of our politicians. “Too many policies and decisions are based solely upon self-interest, spin and sound bite policy mostly designed to further the personal goals and aspirations of individuals.” 

 The first venture into the blog was, by necessity, under the nome de plume of Alf Ventress whilst still serving as a Police officer. My old notes are now gathering dust in a broom cupboard at Ashfordly Police Station but can still be accessed by following the link.

Educated at the Licensed Victualler’s School (Slough), I later studied Information Technology & Business Management with the Open University and City & Guilds but latterly gained Health & Safety qualifications with NEBOSH and IOSH of which I am a member.

I originally trained and was employed in management roles within the hospitality and retail trades but subsequently became a police officer. I also served with the Territorial Army for sixteen years mostly in training rolls but latterly as a unit manager and public relations officer.  

As a Police Officer I served with the North Yorkshire Police  for thirty years and worked in both operational and administrative roles including; Response officer, Community Beat Officer, Communications Officer, emergency Planning Officer, Trainer and Projects Officer.

In addition I also provided Workplace Safety Officer and Staff Representative functions, working as the Deputy Leader on Health & Safety matters for the local Joint Branch Board of the Police Federation.  

Towards the end of my 30 year career, I could see my role as a police officer and all that it used to stand for going down the pan… Frustrated that the job I loved (and the public needed) was being reduced to the play thing of politicians or another personal CV notch for the career advancement of senior officers, I turned to blogging.

The anonymity thing continued for a while after retirement but only out of convenience, as opposed to any real desire to be secretive about my identity. Now things have changed, I work for my self and I no longer hold any fear of discipline proceedings or worry about loosing my job, simply for having an opinion or expressing a view!

I hope you find something of interest during your visit.