Bucket on t' Stairs

From being disruptive and occasionally violent early in school, with a hearing aid Neil went to the top of his class. He was awarded a place at the prestigious Batley Boys Grammar School without having to take the 11-plus examination. He graduated from Reading University in Food Science and spent his working life as an Environmental Health Officer. Many of his legislative innovations were adopted nationally by the British Government.

Of the book, Neil says, "To create authenticity in Yorkshire life my story is told in Yorkshire dialect. That some may not understand it initially troubled me but my publisher encouraged it because over time proud, broad Yorkshire has become diluted. The book brings it back to life. I have laughed recounting the amusing stories and wiped away tears remembering the sad. It has been an emotional return. The nineteen-fifties and sixties were over half a century ago but I enjoyed every minute re-living them."

Now a retiree Neil travels between Spain and Belgium according to the season. He walks, cycles, swims, plays guitar and gigs in folk and rock bands. Writing is his new passion. His second book scheduled for Summer 2026 is A Life of Grime.