I have been taking photographs for a long time. For most of that time it has been with Minolta SLRs. I liked the rugged build, ability to change lenses and the ease with which I was manually able to change settings. I have only recently started using digital cameras and at present I own a Minolta Dimage Z20.

Born and brought up in the urban sprawl of Greater Manchester. Chose to live and work in the rural county of Shropshire. I love its countryside, wildlife and history. I am passionate about animals, the environment and of course my family. I could not live without being able to walk in the countryside with a dog by my side. Am presently awaiting heart surgery (op on Feb 6th2006)and so am walking to keep up my fitness levels.

Am now back at work after a successful op and am back walking up hills and some mountains.

Have now bought a new camera. Have now got a Nikon D40X so am back to using a SLR but it is digital. Better camera, just need to save up for some lenses.

Also have a new hobby - beekeeping.

Now have new camera, Nikon D300S with 18-105mm, 85mm Micro and 70-300mm Nikon lenses.

Retired from teaching. Now grow plants to sell on farmers' market, am chairman of local farmers' market and now town councillor.