For most of my career, I worked as a television and radio news journalist with Anglia Television and the BBC. I have been most fortunate to enjoy an interesting and stimulating profession in broadcast journalism as well as public relations. As a result, I’ve been able to travel and meet all sorts of interesting people. One notable example is my revealing interview on BBC Radio London with actor and comedian, Kenneth Williams.
In my early days I was an on-screen reporter. Altogether, I spent over three decades as a news journalist and reporter, first working for the BBC and later Anglia Television. After leaving television, I worked in the University of Cambridge.
I also founded and chaired the East Anglian Autistic Support Trust (EAST). The EAST fundraising campaign raised 1.5 million pounds. Yet, we started with nothing. No money, no building, just an awareness of the dearth of available resources for severely autistic people. The project successfully launched the first specialised accommodation and day care for adults with autism within Cambridgeshire in 1997. EAST was run on an entirely voluntary basis .
Finally in 2001, I became Director of Communications for the Diocese of Ely, where I continued for ten years. As part of this role, I was editor of the monthly magazine, Ely Ensign. And I also redesigned the Diocesan website.
Since then, I have been working as a freelance broadcaster, trainer and consultant.
I am also an experienced public speaker and am passionate about the power of the spoken word to stimulate original and lively thought. Having worked alongside talented colleagues for many years, I believe writing should be in plain English. That is because it makes information more accessible and enables you to communicate your thoughts more clearly.
My experience includes
• Media Consultant (On-going during the course of my career).
• Television and Radio News Journalist (25 years).
• Director of Communications and media relations (10 years).
• Editor of in-house Magazine and Website (6 years).
• Professional Speech Trainer (19 years).
• Coordinating major charity fundraising campaign and conferences for the voluntary sector. (18 years).
• Film and video voice-overs for local authorities and charities. (From time to time during the course of my career).
Awards
I was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the Queen’s 2008 New Year Honours. This was for my voluntary work in the local community and support for people with autism.
Later, my work culminated in being awarded a DLitt from the University of Westminster in 2010 for my contribution to journalism and the voluntary sector. Indeed, you can read my Acceptance Speech on my Personal website.
I became an Honorary Canon of Ely Cathedral in February 2004.
No-one succeeds in a vacuum
There’s a good reason for mentioning these accolades. Perhaps, I was in the right place at the right time. That may be. But, nobody exists in a vacuum — and nobody succeeds in one either.
My achievements have come about with the help and support of others. As a result, I am indebted to many, too many to name here. Among them are volunteers, supporters, and donors; advisers and teachers; family and friends; well-wishers and critics. I share these awards with them all and thank them for their time and generosity.
Other background information
As a broadcast journalist, I belong to several professional associations. I am a member of British Equity, The Royal Television Society, The National Union of Journalists and The Society of Teachers of Speech and Drama. In addition, I became a member of British Mensa in 1980.
