I was born in September 1924, the only child of Louise and Tom Dowling, and lived in Green Street, Bank Quay until I was married.

I attended Evelyn Street School from aged 5 to 14. I enjoyed all sport and played football and cricket in the school team. As a member of the 31^st Warrington Scout Troop I attended the Workingmen’s Mission Sunday School. I started work at 14 and travelled the country as a driver’s mate. As there were no driving tests during the war, I  obtained a licence to drive a goods vehicle at an early age.  

 After Army service (see below) I resumed work for British Road Services (BRS) driving HGV’s, and later became a traffic clerk,  sharing an office with Dick Hunt, father of Roger Hunt of 1966 World Cup fame. In 1961 I was appointed Manager of BRS St Helens Branch, and in 1980 I became Manager in Liverpool until retirement in 1989.

My Army Service was with Royal Signals, attached to the 1^st Canadian Army. I saw action from Normandy to Bremen, and after the war ended I served in various parts of Germany until my discharge on 5 June 1947. I was confirmed at Iserlohn Garrison Church on  5 September 1945. On my first home leave in 1946 I had the use of a car, but no petrol. I visited Arthur Johnson who gave me coupons for 10 gallons - and also introduced me to his daughter June. That proved the most expensive petrol ever purchased!

On 11 June 1949 June and I were married at Christ Church by Revd. Vallance Cook. Our children Carolyn and Stephen were christened at Christ Church and both attended Padgate C of E School. As members of the School’s PTA and also of Fearnhead Film Society, June and I met some of our best friends.

Some 38 years ago I became a sidesman at the 8 a.m. service; and I’m now a sidesman at 10.30. I have served on the PCC three times.   During the 1960’s June and I helped to run the Friday Club which was for 11 to 15 year olds.

At the age of 70 I was given a small part in the pantomime. More small parts followed - but my main task was helping with drinks at rehearsals. Also: many Monday afternoons were spent Church Sitting; Jean Jones had me delivering Meals on Wheels; and each week I helped at HM Prison Risley Visitor Centre. June and I are fortunate that our family and extended family all live within  walking  distance enabling us to enjoy many happy gatherings in our garden.

I am lucky that June enjoys sport. In our younger days we followed Warrington RFC and we also visited Old Trafford and Anfield; but nowadays we are armchair supporters. We both enjoy Country and Western, and Trad Jazz. Our garden – which has seen service as a football field, a motorbike track, and a play area for 6 dogs, but is now all shrubs and trees - is the place we enjoy and love working in.

When I asked June’s father if we could marry (over 60 years ago!) he advised me for my own good to go back to Bank Quay and never return to Paddington. For once I ignored my dear friend, and instead I became his son-in-law! Thus I joined a most wonderful family, met so many friends along the way, and enjoyed  many years of happiness.