Old Princethorpians

I currently live in Bexleyheath which is London/Kent borders. I am a serving Police officer with 18 years in the City of London Police.

For the last 11 years I have been a dog handler. I dual handle a General Purpose Dog and a Specialist Search Dog. I applied to the Police Service at 19 but was told my life experiences were too limited so I moved to Newcastle and spent almost nine years there working for a clothing company. I then chose to try the Police and was successful in 1996 so settled in London.

Age - 48 in a few weeks.

When at Princethorpe - 1978-1985

What was the school like in your day?

I managed to get through it and made lots of friends. There was a lot of emphasis on sports and the House competitions I seem to recall.

How has Princethorpe affected the person you are today?

I see it that Life's a book. Princethorpe was the first couple of chapters. Without them I wouldn't be the person I am today. It prepared me for my adult life.

What advice would you give your teenage self?

I wanted to join the Police from a very early age. I met some hurdles along the way and deviated at times but I knew I would do it eventually. Stick to your dreams and don't be afraid to ask anyone for advice and guidance.

Who or what has been the greatest influence on your life?

My parents have played the biggest influence by far. Then along the way others have chipped in. I buy coffee for a homeless man called Glen every time I get petrol in the East End and we have a good old chat. I think we are constantly learning and being influenced by lots of people.

What keeps you awake at night?

Shift work. For 18 years I have done shift work, Earlies, Lates and Nights. My body clock has accepted that it ticks a different way to most. Would I have it any other way? Probably not I love working in Central London at 3am in the morning when it's slowed right down. You can appreciate what a truly wonderful place it really is.

Proudest moment and greatest achievement so far?

There are many. The proudest by a mile will always be the birth of my 3 daughters and my son. School wise I would have to say being Fisher House Captain and leading them to victory. Work wise it would be winning Police Officer of the Year this time around. I wouldn't have been able to achieve that without my dogs. Every time my dogs have success I'm proud of them.

What's your biggest indulgence?

Probably coffee. It helps me keep going. Sweets and cakes as well (not donuts though I hasten to add).

If you had one last meal, what would it be?

Definitely Tapas. I love Spanish food.

Favourite TV Show:

Salvage Hunters followed closely by Lizard Lick Towing. Salvage Hunters is great for all the great places they visit and the things that they find and bring back to life and Lizard Lick Towing well that speaks for itself.

If you could be anywhere right now, where would it be and with whom?

New York with my partner Fiona and my children. Fiona took me there a few years ago and I just love the place.

Lasting memories of Princethorpe?

Great friends and great fun. One thing that always sticks in my mind is Mr Taylor's A Level Geography class. I was sitting behind my  friend Gian Carlos. His jacket was slung over his chair and I was  a little bored so I filled the lining of his jacket sleeves with the contents of my hole punch. End of class he put it on and covered Mr Taylor in 100s of white dots. Still makes me laugh even now.

Are you in touch with any other Old Princethorpians, if so whom?

Social networking is a great thing. I have managed to track down lots of good friends, Giancarlo Bonati, Simon Gusterson, Alan Dowker, Simon Mason, Alex Johnson, Ian Lucas the list is endless.

Is there anyone you would like to track down?

Not personally, but I would like to trace Nick Harrison for Simon. I said I'd help Simon to locate him and so far I've failed.