How long have you been a manager?

I've been a Scheme manager since returning from South Africa, fourteen years ago. I was there for twenty years, where I was with the South African Police. It was there that I developed my 'person' skills that have stood me in good stead in this, my present profession. I served on the NWA committee for a number of years till pressure from work made me resign.

The best part of my job?

Meeting people from all walks of life and addressing their problems. Liaising with outside agencies and resolving issues that affect my tenants.

The worst part?

Losing a tenant who you have built up a good relationship with over the years. We are supposed to remain detached emotionally when a tenant passes away, but after knowing someone for a number of years closely, it's hard to stay uninvolved emotionally.

Where will I be in five years time?

Where I am now with a bit of luck. I have only a year to go till I am 65, and I'm hoping to carry on till I'm 70. Let's hope that soon it will be illegal to force someone to retire at 65 when they don't want to. Let's do away with the mandatory retiring age set by employers. As long as a person is capable mentally and physically to do a job and they want to carry on doing it, they should be allowed to do so.

What do I feel most proud of?

Difficult this one. I think I'm proud of having a good relationship with all my tenants and the people I come in touch with. It's hard work to keep everyone happy, but very rewarding.

Would I have done anything differently?

No!! I've had a very full, varied and exciting life. I've done things and been places a lot of people can only dream of. I think my tenants get the benefit of my experiences, as there isn't much I can't help them with.

Last one, what do I do to chill out.

I read, play chess and bridge and spend quite a bit of time surfing on the internet. You've probably seen my articles on surfing I submit to our newsletter, The Voice. Apart from these things, I don't really get a lot of spare time. I like to go out with my wife at weekends, discovering the London I had no time to explore years ago when we were busy bringing up our five children.