Born in 1945, my interest is in railway history in general terms, particularly of the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway. I was a member of the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Society until December 2023..

Since retiring in March 2010 as Senior Head of Projects at the consultancy, I have been able to spend a considerable amount of time in research matters. Unfortunately, I suffered a major stroke in July 2012 and two subsequent mini-strokes in December 2013 and in October 2014, which has somewhat affected my usual attention to detail. Since that time, there have been a number of matters on this website that have been of some concern to me.

I have been helped with advice on a number of topics by senior editors on this website, for which I am eternally grateful.

Xenophon Philosopher (talk) 08:34, 6 June 2016 (UTC)