In my spare time, I enjoy walking and real ale. I was an exceptionally direct yet ungifted downhill skier in years gone by and could deal with any piste as long as all the moguls were aligned in th...view moreIn my spare time, I enjoy walking and real ale. I was an exceptionally direct yet ungifted downhill skier in years gone by and could deal with any piste as long as all the moguls were aligned in the right places. I am a life-long supporter of Manchester City Football Club though a hopeless footballer. I run slowly for long distances. I have completed the London marathon once and the Great North Run four times. I have attended occasional Grands Prix which involved standing for long periods of time in mud to watch very fast cars break down. I am learning to cook rather late in life; my wife accepts that I may destroy most of our pots and pans.view less