John founded and ran his own construction business in Greenwich for many years, being a past Chairman of the South Eastern Area of The Building Employers Confederation. Latterly, for a number of years he was Chief Executive of the South East London Chamber of Commerce. As a contractor to The London Fire Brigade he first came into contact with Massey Shaw Fire Boat, in the very earliest years of the Preservation Society. John has extensive sailing experience as a sometime owner of his
own yacht.
He is Chairman of the Sea Cadet Unit in the Old Royal Naval College at Greenwich. He is a Freeman of The City of London and a Freeman of The Company of Watermen and Lightermen of The River Thames. John has extensive experience and knowledge of working with charitable organisations including presently, Chairman of a South London group of (RDA) Riding for The Disabled Association, incorporating Carriage Driving. He has twice been Chairman of a Home Office Lay Visitors Panel. John is a past Club President in Rotary International. His hobbies include the restoration of prestigious classic motor cars.
He and has two sons and four grandchildren. He is a Director of the Massey Shaw and Marine Vessels Preservation
Society.