“I started working in the pub trade at the age of 18 part time. I then joined the Royal Navy where I spent 22 happy years, and some jobs included the beverage trade as I was Bar Manager on some ships. I had various jobs when I left the RN but eventually landed up in Wales after Barbara’s husband died. She owned a hotel in North Wales and as I used to help with the books, she asked me to become her partner. We had the hotel until 2007 when we retired. As I had time on my hands, I felt I could give something back to the trade by helping fellow publicans who find themselves in difficulty and need.”