1)  Went to Epson College - public school for Ministers and Doctor's children

 

2)  Was a champion fencer at school - on the winning fencing team - member of

     School Dramatic Society, performed in Gilbert and Sullivan operettas.

 

3)  Apprenticed/Studied Civil Engineering at Babcocks in Rochester where he won several Awards for his designs. 

 

4)  War Service - responsible for building sea defences on the Kent Coast with 

     engineers Chittenden and Simmons

     Served in the Roral Observer Corps - based in Maidstone with male friends Monty   

     Cassie - his 'office' was The Bull at Larkfield.

 

5)  Eclectic man - was fascinated by new inventions and gadgets - 

     - latest in all types of kitchen equipment, wireless and TV

     - loved his LadyBird electric mower (until he ran over the cord)

     - could knit - he worked out how to have both sides the same

 

6)  Was instrumental in the invention of the Barber Green - the machine that scrapes up 

     old road and at the same time lays new surface at the other end.

 

7)  After the war - went into the business of laying down Airport runways in Gibraltar

     and Motorways also the Maidstone Bypass and he also designed the new A252 route 

     from Maidstone to Canterbury using the then new invented 'quiet' macadam surface .

 

8)  Loved to play the piano for family sing a-longs on Sunday evenings

     and reduced people to tears with his Saw playing - was an expert on this 'instrument' 

     playing very sentimental Welsh airs, and songs we sang were 'Bless this House' and 

     'O My Beloved Father'.

 

9)  Insisted on Sunday Observance 'rules' - was a church warden at St Mary's West Malling.

     No washing was to be hung outside on a Sunday

     Always gave up smoking, sweets and alcohol!!! for Lent

 

10)  Smoked  a tin of Passing Cloud and later 50 Players Navy cigarettes a day

       but when he stopped (cold turkey) he put his cigarette money into buying the latest   

       classical LP's

 

11   He loved church music, Elgar, Gregorian chants and female Operatic superstars like  

      Kathleen Ferrier, Joan Sutherland

 

12)  He was a very emotional man and would 'tear up' for God Save the King.