President of the 2008 Conference, born in Beeston, Nottinghamshire, he was educated at Bramcote Hills Grammar School and the University of Nottingham. He was accepted for the ministry in 1972, and after completing his degree and serving as a VSO with the Boys Brigade in Zambia, 1973-75, he trained at The Queen's College, 1975-78, where he met Myrtle (e.d.1978, Vice-President 2004-5). They married in 1977 and in 1979 were stationed in the St Anne's Bay Circuit in Jamaica. He was received into full connexion in 1980 and ordained in 1981. On their return to Britain he served in the Cardiff (1985-96) and Preston (1996-2000) circuits, and in 2000 was appointed to the chair of the North Lancashire district. He became chair of the World Church Committee (later, World Church Forum, 1996 - ) and Secretary of the Methodist Missionary Society(1999 - ). He was elected President for 2008-9.