I was born in Littlehampton, West Sussex in 1960, and have lived in, and around, the Chichester area for most of my life. Now, I live in a beautiful place called Ham, not far from Selsey where the well known astronomer Patrick Moore lives. Sue, my partner, and I live and work here.

I have a degree in Physics and Electronics from the University of London and have been interested in Astronomy since I was a young boy. One of the defining astronomical moments of my life was a visit I paid to Patrick Moore's house one summer day in 1970, where I was patiently shown around the various telescopes and given encouragement, tea, cake and books by this remarkable man. I returned in the evening to spend several hours being shown wonderful views through the superb 12" Newtonian and the 5" refractor telescopes. My interest in astronomy was cemented forever after that - how could it not be!

I was a very active member of the South Downs Astronomical Society from 1972 to the mid 1980's, but after that, my active interest waned as I concentrated on my career and sport. Living in Ham, since 1998, with it's superb dark skies has re-kindled my interest in the last couple of years and I now count myself amongst the ranks of active amateurs again. The changes that have occured in the last few years with the advent of affordable CCD cameras and web cams have astounded and inspired me into action.

I have two wonderful children, Tom and Katie who live in nearby Chichester. Since 1994, I have been running my own Software and Computer consultancy, mainly from home.