I started working in the cellars for Payne & Gunter in 1983 working at many events from the Open Golf, Henley Regatta, PGA European Tour which is where my love of Champagne began. The Champagne Tent at the golf were always busy. Payne & Gunter was bought by the Compass Group in 1998. In 2005 I joined Delaware North Companies to open Wembley Stadium and Emirates Stadium. After 38 years in the Hospitality Industry I left Delaware to work as a buyer.

I was invited to join the Champagne Academy Course in 2000 attending a fantastic week making lifelong friends and learning so much about champagne. At the Autumn event that year I was asked to join the committee with a specific task of managing the stock for our events a job that I am still doing today.

I became Chairman in 2009 and had a fantastic year with some excellent champagnes and dinners which I have fond memories and felt very honoured to have been Chairman.

The change of one of the tastings to offer the Champagne houses to show a style of their choice has been a great success and educational.