  Left Lanson College with 2 ‘A’
levels, to go to Bristol University to study Geology. Failed subsidiary maths and physics,
and left after 2 years to seek my fortune elsewhere.- First job: Information Assistant in a Research Association, the lowest form of life in a
Library.
- Returned to University to study Information Science, qualified, changed jobs a couple of
times, learnt German, and generally enjoyed London (rent £3.75 per week in Holland Park).
- Met Sheila in London, argued and fought a bit, married in South Africa - her home
country -then headed for a new job in St Albans as Head of information for engineering
consultants Oscar Faber.
- Kids came - three of the female kind - now aged 29, 31, 33, all now settled with good
fellas, none married, but stable relationships and one grandson aged 4. Sheila and I still
happily married after 34 years.
- The big breakout to escape grey skies, skimpy salary, etc. took the form of a contract
in Java, Indonesia. Stayed for 5 years, as Library Consultant to the Geological Survey:
Fantastic time, little work, plenty of play: Master of the Hash, wrote a travel book, set
up a theatre company, started a magazine, studied archaeology, took photographs, paddled
in volcanoes.
- Returned to Scotland (grey skies, skimpy salary, etc.) as Project Consultant
investigating development of small businesses. Big culture shock, so. . . .
- The next big breakout – go it alone, in 1984. Set up Bennett Associates, Information
Consultants and Market Researchers, in Chester. Three teenagers, no money in the bank,
gradual growth. Big information projects with the oil industry, marketing studies with
small businesses.
- Still running Bennett Associates, mostly large contracts for big organisations, planning
information strategy, and major relocation project management. Need to stay active until
age 65, with no corporate pension to fall back on.
- Lost my brother John (also ex-Lanson) to cancer aged 46.
- Various interests, including restoring a gypsy caravan and steam engine, buying and
managing a woodland in Wales, hiking in the mountains, music (just listening now, although
the ancient clarinet still survives in the attic).
- A full and happy life, but always a feeling there could be more.
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