Me .... at play
Obviously I'm a Crown Green Bowler. If you don't know what this is (and you probably won't unless you live in the North of England or the Midlands) then you'll probably want to leave now or look at my About Bowls page.
I used to play almost every day during the summer, but this all changed when I became a teacher. I was also the match secretary of three leagues and the County Secretary of the Greater Manchester County Bowling Association from 2001-2003. I'm also a qualified county referee and I still referee competitions, but not county matches anymore. I'm once again the secretary of the Middleton Sunday Bowling League after a break of 5 years and bowling in 4 leagues again (take note all new teachers - there is hope of a bit of a work-life balance once you're 'experienced').
I was a software engineer (or a computer programmer if you prefer) for over 20 years, working for a whole range of scientific and defence companies, including the European Space Agency.
I finally took the plunge and detoured from this safe path for a career in teaching. A massive pay cut, 70 hour (plus) weeks, occasional frustrating moments - what could be better? The answer is "nothing" in general - but I don't say that every day! Always different, never dull, and often uplifting. Doing something rewarding and giving something back at the same time - for now it's even better than bowling!
I was a maths teacher at All Saints' Catholic Language College in Rawtenstall from 2005-2008 - a really nice, friendly school. I ran a school Musicals Club - taking pupils to the theatre on a regular basis, the highlight being a trip in 2007 - taking 27 pupils to New York to see "Hairspray" on Broadway.
I moved to an unnamed school in Bolton in 2009 - and left rather quickly (it's no good being a teacher where you can't teach).
I have been at Unity College in Towneley Park, Burnley for the last two years. We were lucky enough to get a brand new building last year and it's a fantastic place to teach, but more importantly giving the children of Burnley a great environment to learn. It is a really good maths department and I'll be here until I retire; when that will be - who knows, but my wife is waiting patiently!