Roy celebrated his 75th Birthday on the 4th June and retired his Commission. The Lord-Lieutenant would like to thank him for his dedication in serving the communities of Greater Manchester for over 50 years, voluntarily supporting young people, veterans and those vulnerable in the community through his engagement with the Air Training Corps, SSAFA (The Armed Forces Charity) and through local support charities. He has also served as a Deputy Lieutenant for 16 years.
Roy was born in 1948 in Droylsden, Tameside and was educated at Moorside Primary School and Littlemoss Secondary School before following his father into the Engineering Industry where he became an apprentice with Mather & Platt Ltd.
Following his apprenticeship he was appointed to a variety of positions in the Company culminating in his appointment as the Training & Safety Officer in 1987. Following redundancy in 1996 he joined Skills Solutions (previously Manchester TEC Ltd) and now holds the position of Training Consultant/Assessor responsible for the recruitment and training of engineering apprentices across Greater Manchester.
Roy joined the Air Training Corps in February 1963 as a cadet at 430 (Droylsden) Squadron rising through the ranks until commissioned into the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve Training Branch as a Pilot Officer in 1978. He was promoted to Flt Lt in 1982 when he assumed command of the squadron later transferring to 317 (Failsworth) Squadron. In 1998 he was promoted to Squadron Leader and joined the Wing Staff as the Wing Training Officer; Roy was promoted to Wing Commander in January 2002 and assumed command of East Lancashire Wing.
He became Chairman of the Greater Manchester branch of SSAFA in 2011; under his direction, it has flourished.
In 2017 he became a Trustee of a newly formed charity, The Shed Dukinfield, an organisation which helps older men to avoid social isolation by teaching them new skills whilst promoting a healthy lifestyle. His knowledge and experience of working as an Engineer until his retirement meant he was able to quickly understand and assist the men in learning new skills in their retirement. Roy also helps out at the local foodbank.
He was a very active and respected Deputy Lieutenant, representing the Lord-Lieutenant, visiting many local charities to support, guide and mentor them as an assessor for the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service and enthusiastically promoting UK Honours as part of the Lieutenancy Honours Committee.
Roy is married to Pat and the proud father of two daughters, Susanne (a clinical scientist) and Emma (a teacher). He is passionate about the provision of facilities for youth in the community and enjoys cooking and fine wines.
Thank you Roy for your service to the Lieutenancy and your continued service to the communities of Tameside and Greater Manchester.