I probably belong in the category of the elderly Wikipedian software developer having started Fortran programming at University in 1966 whilst studying Physics. I subsequently worked on Naval training, maritime aircraft radar systems, radar detection (ESM) and digital mapping. As work included Helicopter trials in the English Channel, I had the dubious privilege of the Royal Navy helicopter crash survival course which gave a lot of information about sea temperatures and survival -and practical experience of being dropped in water and having to swim at 10C! I particularly like older shipwrecks. They don't get offended easily, don't stick an oar in where its not wanted and no shipwreck has ever been known to edit its own profile.

When the Cold War ended, the most interesting tasks involved safety systems and I spent a year studying MAIB reports into shipping disasters. I also wrote up my father's WW2 experience as a radiographer at Malta and Dunkirk, best described as being in the wrong place, reluctantly, and at the wrong time! I later submitted these to the BBC WW2 People's War and several were featured as the day's top story. My father later worked at the Birmingham Accident Hospital and a 2 month spell there as a student meant I learnt the names, faces and reputations of some of the leading specialists.

I've also contributed to a number of major articles on Venture Capitalism and pensions in Sunday newspapers and have a reasonable working knowledge of English Libel Law.
From 2003-2007, I was involved in a major political campaign on pensions and had 3 invitations to debate the issues live on BBC television's Politics show with an opposing MP. Although I am a member of one of the 3 main parties, I edit political profiles with intent to ensure they are fully compliant with WP:BLP AND that their side of the story is given -including subsequent follow up. I hope my political party cannot be determined from my edits.

Hobbies include chess, which I played at County level in my youth, I try to keep fit as I'm a fan of Judit Polgár, and I know her sister Zsuzsa has yet to beat a healthy man!

@ This user can be reached by email. This user participates in WikiProject Chess. en This user is a native speaker of the English language. This user is a British Citizen. This user hates The Sun and thinks anyone who treats it as a reliable source for a biography of a living person is stark raving mad. This user is a citizen of the European Union. 19Y This user has been editing Wikipedia for more than ten years.
GS This user went to a grammar school. This user strives to maintain a policy of neutrality on controversial issues. This user assumes good faith.	This user tries to do the right thing. If they make a mistake, please let them know. This user maintains a strict policy advising against all personal attacks. This user pledges to return to Old Fashioned Wikipedian Values
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This user is a member of WikiProject Ships. This user is a member of WikiProject Politics of the United Kingdom. This user supports the use of nuclear energy. This user is interested in World War I (1914–1918) and World War II (1939–1945). This user has been to the end of Wikipedia. Have you? } {{ }}