The last years of my working life were spent in the refrigeration industry and through this and their problems with the gas they used got me very interested in the environment.

Shortly before I retired, my wife and I were introduced by a local community worker to a group who renovated and made efforts to improve the local housing area by converting badly neglected bin yards.

After working with this local group I was introduced to the Trustees of Armley Common Right Trust and I was duly appointed a Trustee. After two years I was made Deputy Chair and at the last triennial meeting in 2008 I was made Chair.

Prior to my joining the Trust they did little to make the public aware of the organisation and consequently it was difficult to recruit to the board and get help from the Council. After years of hard work, we are now proud to have a nucleus of younger trustees who have the potential to keep the Trust running into the foreseeable future.

Lastly I am an Armley resident and have lived here for the last 50 years!