Back in the 1960s my father arranged an apprenticeship for me at Rose Forgrove in Leeds, they had the best training school in Yorkshire. I came out of my time after 5 1/2 years as a Fitter Turner.
I started fishing at age 11 on the River Swale with my father. We fished with split cane rods and centre pin reels. I have fished the Swale for 44 years and I'm still using cane and pin, I love catching Barbel using a centre pin. In winter I long fish for Grayling on the Scottish Borders or Welsh rivers with long carbon rods and large centre pins.
I started making centre pin reels 15 years ago instead of steam engines. I get great pleasure from using my own pins, field testing and developing my designs - it is very satisfying.
I now have 10 different patterns in my range of centre pin fishing reels and regularly receive orders from various countries around the world for use in a variety of fishing situations.
My hobby has now grown into full time employment and I am a very happy man.