I began showing my first dog, Sparky , a blue roan Cocker Spaniel,  when I was  12 years old and have been involved in the dog world ever since. Sparky grew far too large and won very few prizes but he taught me a lot and I learned what the breed should look like  and English Cockers remain my first love.I was fortunate to see the golden age of the breed in the UK during the 1960s-1980s with all the famous kennels.Whilst at university I  co-owned two Sealyham terriers and  both became champions and one was a group winner.In 1972 I added  two American Cocker bitches  to my family.The breed was new into the UK and I fell for them.One of these bitches became a champion and both bred champions.I made up 13 UK champions and  there were others overseas and  my exports to Australia were influential in the breed

I  became a championship show judge in 1974  and am now approved to judge 140 breeds and all groups and Best In show. I judged Best in Show at Crufts in 2012 and have judged 5 of the 7 groups at Crufts.

I became a member of the Kennel Club Board in 2003 and served on that for 20 years and  was chairman of the Breed Standards committee for 16 years I have also chaired the Canine Health Committee and the Non-Breed Standard Colours Committee.

As a lecturer by profession I enjoy teaching and  developed  Conformation and Movement seminars for the Kennel Club .I have since enjoyed presenting many breed seminars.I have written several books and   am a regular contributor to the canine press.I have been part of the television commentary team at Crufts for the past 20 years. 

Outside the dog world I have been a keen horseman all my life,   and love tennis, having played for my university and at county level.I also love the theatre, opera and ballet(every judge should!) and ice skating

So a busy life which I have enjoyed and most of that I  owe to the dog world internationally.I am really looking forward to be one of the Best In Show judges here for the NKK- a Kennel Club which has given me many great experiences through the excellence of their system and the quality of the breeders and the dogs they have produced.Thank you.