About Sapper 696
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Our Grandchildren
The 1st Photo Is of my first grandson Brandon.He was born in Warwick Hospital on the 24.08.98.I can only presume my daughter Kirsty was influenced when choosing his name by Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee,Kirsty had our 3rd grandson Harvey Jack (26.08.2004) .This picture of Brandon was taken in July 2003 at Universal Studios on our 2nd visit to Florida
Our second and 4th grandson Reece Ellis (25.04.01), Callum (2005),they are the son's of my son John and his partner Charlotte(prefers to be called Charlie).
Our eldest daughter Cathy gave us gave us our 1st grandaughter Katie May 13.06.2008,the 2nd photo is of Katie and my wife,the 3rd photo is of all 6 grand children, including Charlies daughter Jade.

The History or Story Behind My Site
I am decided to set up my site to share my memories and to update any one who knew me or my wife Chris. I must admit I was influenced by some of the Great R.E.site's that are on the web.Though these sites I was able to make contact with old friends.I also hope as my site developes and more old ex-commrades will contact me,And if practicale we can meet up again and discuss old times over a pint.Details of my service records can be found on my "Home page"
If you have any photos of me or yourself, Please send them to me and I will try and publish them on this site.Due to house moves ect, I have lost a lot of photos so any contributions would be very grateful.Since my last update I have found some negatives of shots I took in the early 70's.I will attempt to get them developed and publish the results.More shocks for Ex-Members of HQ Sqn 23 Eng Regt.If enough intrest and contributions are made I would like to set up a photo/contact page for each Squadron I served in, so if you are a past or present member of these Squadron's please contact me.

My Civillian Career
When I walked through the Gates at Chatham on 18.11.78 with John Hussey I thought this was the second best day of my life. No more forced haircuts and certainly no more bull-sh** and parades!
The next day reality hit me,5 weeks to Xmas no job and a home to set up.Within a week I found a Job driving for a local haulier.I used the next 41/2 years to learn and gain civillian transport experience this included me returning to night school to obtain qualifications in Road Haulage.At the time I was looking to become a owner driver but then the recession hit the UK.
In 1983 I applied for a position with AFF(Part of the Asda Group)and i was succesful in geting a driving position, no more 3 day weeks and poor wages.In Oct 83 Their new depot opened in Warwick and I was one of six drivers delivering to the 30 Asda stores in the South of England.In 1989 there was a opening for a Assistant Depot Manager,I applied for the position and to my suprise I got the job.In late 89 Asda decided to sell the Dairy Division and to concentrate on there retail outlets.As a result our Directors decided on a Management buy out before we were purchased by a competitor .
In 1991 our Management buy out was struggling and our Directors decided to sell the company to MD Foods who are better known for Lurpac butter.At around the same time the Depot Manager walked out,This gave me the opportunity to prove myself.After 6 months I was Promoted to Depot Manager responsible for a 2 million pound contract distributing Dairy products for Bookers Cash&Carry's.In 1994 MD Foods decided to use Wincanton for their Distribution.On October 10th 1994 the depot closed eleven years to the day it opened.
On the Following Monday I started for Exel Logistics as Operations Manager at the Perry Barr Depot.In 1996 I moved to the Droitwich Site as Shift Manager,Finally in Jan 98 I accepted a position as Distribution Operations Manager at Exel Banbury, responsible for the distribution of Mars Products.
In January 2002 I was seconded to SDG GROUP LTD as Transport Manager,In June I was offered the position of Transport and Installation Manager,I excepted the position and started my employment with SDG on the 15th July 2002.
In Oct 2002 the company went into recievership and on 31/10/02 i was out of work,I was contacted by Exel and offered a temprorary position at there Watford Gap site as Transport Manager until a permerment position could be found.I accepted this offer and on 11/1/03 I was offered and excepted the position of Senior Transport Manager at the Safeway RDC in Coventry.In July 2003 I was promoted,My current role is Distribution operations Manager at Safeways Coventry RDC. In Jan 2005 i was sucessful in getting the National Transport mangers postion for the JD Wetherspoons contract responsible for the NDC at Daventry and 5 outbase's.So if you eat or drink at any of the 750 (2010) pubs in there chain,the products arrived on one of my fleet of lorries.


My R.E.Photos Page


My Links page



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