I live in Ashby-de-la-Zouch in North West Leicestershire with my wife, Bev, who is a teacher and calls for barn dances in her spare time. We have three sons who are all (nearly) off our hands. Isaac is a reporter on the Loughborough Echo, Jared is an actor/musician based in London and Patrick is at Winchester University doing Theatre Studies.

I have been interested in Folk Music since I was in the sixth form at school in South London when I played a small, knackered and extremely out of tune accordion in a group who went by the name of "Guts & Garters" (three lads and one girl). Our debut floor spot of three numbers was very, very short due to our nervousness. The MC was heard to say (as we slunk off and he scurried back from the bar having failed to order his pint), "That was quick. Didn't they tell you any funny stories?" It's a wonder we carried on after that.

Whilst at Exeter University I joined "Great Western Morris" where I learned to dance (after a fashion) and play the Melodeon. It was with them that I was introduced to the delights of Sidmouth - Late Night Extra was never the same after their appearances. I still think that they are the greatest and most entertaining side in the universe - watch them if you ever get the chance!

On my return to London in 1978 I helped to set up "Downes Morris" (a mixed side) who still stutter on under the guise of "Downes On Tour". I also played in a ceilidh band called "Joe and 'Arry" with Geoff Bielby - a fine musician now residing in Beverley. Our highlight was appearing on the same bill as John Kirkpatrick and Bill Caddick - whatever happened to them?

In 1981 I moved to Crewkerne in Somerset where we set up "Dr Turberville's Morris", another mixed side. I played in a band called "The Raunchers" with Ruth & Colin Thompson, two more fine musicians. Our highlight was providing the music for the Beaminster Community play, a vast rambling theatrical extravaganza which played to packed houses for a fortnight.

In 1987 I moved back to Exeter to escape from teaching and start a new career in computing. After a brief fling with "The New Steam Band" a number of us left to form "Pig's Whisper" - which is still going to this day! I also danced for a while with a North West side called "Wheal Sophia".

In 1990 work took me to the Midlands. After brief encounters with Sergeant Musgrave's (another North West side) and Packington Morris (Cotswold) I decided to hang up my dancing shoes. For seven years I played and sang with a group called "Travelling People" but we broke up in 2003, mainly because we were too popular. I currently play with the ceilidh bands "Apples In Winter" and "Up Tails All" while Bev & I also go out as a duo under the name "Two Step". I enjoy playing in sessions so feel free to invite me along to yours.

I am happy to sit in with your band if you are short of a box player, and I am always interested in new bands and projects. I will travel for the right line-up!

My interests (other than folk music) are computing, genealogy, eBay and renovating the house (a never ending task).

This web site is my latest venture.....