A friend once described me as a cultured lout because I will drink lager while listening to opera, I will have pie and chips for pre theatre dinner, and I appreciate Muse as much as Mozart.

I am a father, and a husband. A friend and a son, I am a Buddhist, a reluctant gardener, a dog owner, an Opera lover and beginner guitar player.

I am not always good at any of them. (And I'm a rubbish gardener).

I am an avid Opera fan (particularly Berlioz and Offenbach), although I do not see nearly enough.

I also like Coffee, Red Wine, Cognac, Bourbon, Dr Who, Travel, and learning. Doesn't matter what, as long as I'm learning.