My name is John Neal, I was brought up in an area, where physical work was the norm, in Stanley Co. Durham, a former mining town.

 

Served an apprenticeship as a Plater, at Consett Steelworks, eight miles away.  At the time, the thought was, find yourself a trade and you will be in a job for life.

 

No longer mines, steelworks, in the north east.  Limited work in the shipyards compared with three decades ago.  Worked in many different countries in addition to working offshore in my trade.

 

   My boots are laid to rest, now my writing does the travelling.