Background
He grew up in Southend-on-Sea, later living in Newham (Greater London), and Loughton, Essex.
He grew up in Southend-on-Sea, later living in Newham (Greater London), and Loughton, Essex.
He began his writing career in the 1970s contributing to local magazines. He has served in various capacities on numerous heritage bodies, including the British Association for Local History (Publications Committee), Essex Archaeological & Historical Congress (Secretary 1996-1999, Chairman 2008-2011, President 2011-date), Essex Society for Archaeology & History, Loughton & District Historical Society, Newham History Society, and Wanstead Historical Society. He was Deputy Mayor of Loughton 2011-2012 and Mayor in 2012-2013, having also served on Loughton Town Council as Chairman of its Resources & General Services Committee and its Environmment & Heritage Committee.
He founded the Loughton Film Society in 2010, and was its first Chairman, and in 2014 was the organiser of the first Loughton Art Trail.
He has acted as historical consultant for a wide range of heritage projects in Essex and East London.
He is also a committee member of the Loughton Festival, and is Vice-Chairman of the Lopping Endowment, a charitable trust which manages Lopping Hall, a community arts venue, in Loughton.