I am a research and development manager on vehicle systems, initially bus and truck then trains. I have had a love of coaches since I started going to school in them at 12. I learned to drive coaches when I was a student at university studying engineering. Alec Austin owned the coach company in my home town and his busy period fitted in with my holidays so he taught me to drive. When I graduated I moved to Birmingham and worked part time for Smiths Imperial Coaches. Then moved to the Wirral where I drive for Cass Coaches. All these companies are/were the best in their areas with high standards which suits me fine. So keen was I that I bought a Val from Roger Smith and kept her for 20 years. (photostream). She was the most beautiful coach on the planet.