JOHN’S TIMELINE June 62 - Born at home, 16 Connaught Road, Roath, Cardiff. Brother to Mary , Aged 3 Nov 63 - Another sister born, Imelda (Mel). 1964 - Moved with family to 72 Donald Street, Roath, Cardiff April 67 - A younger brother born - Dermot. Sept 67 - John started school at St Peter’s Junior School, St Peter’s St, Roath May 68 - Twin brothers born (Joseph and Michael). Sept 73 - Started high school at Lady Mary, Cyncoed, Cardiff Interests were; • First aid (member of British Red Cross) • Cross country running (team were county champions) • Football (played in goal – badly!) and big Bluebirds fan • Had a passion for English language and reading 1979 - Left school and started a short lived plumbing apprenticeship followed by a stint as a sales representative at rubber company Swirco Newton in Cardiff Docks. Worked with his father as a labourer in the family civil engineering firm laying paving slabs around the Cardiff streets 1981 - Started what was to become a long period of vocational work, joining Community Service Volunteers organisation, working with learning disabled children on a residential basis at Venture House in St John’s Wood, London. 1982 - 1984 Worked voluntarily as Secretary to Cardiff Housing Co-operative and as a Care Assistant at Ely Hospital, Cardiff, working with adults with physical and learning disabilities until 1988, cont.... On the social side, became actively involved in Cardiff punk music scene, centring around ‘Grass Roots’ coffee bar in Charles St Cardiff. Helped promote bands and even joined a couple, such as ‘Organised Chaos’ and the Cardiff incarnation of ‘Living Legends’ (see http://ianbone.wordpress.com/2008/02/25/doc-whelan/) On the political side, was active in protesting against the infamous ‘poll tax’ during Thatcher era 1988-91 Embarked on a period of entrepreneurship, trying his hand at; • Broker/agent for building and grant work • Promoting music and comedy acts at Cardiff venues • travel agent • private security work Also started what was to become a long love affair with the far East, visiting India and Thailand. Took up martial arts as a hobby and was Captain of the winning Welsh Karate Team in 1989. 1991-92 Started a period of study, taking A levels in; • Law • Sociology - cont..... 1993-97 Continued studies by taking a law degree and juggling this with earning an income underdertaking private security work, working a variety of Cardiff’s night spots and supplementing this with some legal work to gain practical experience. 1998 - Graduated from the University of Glamorgan with a 2.2 in Law. Suffered loss of mother and took on some of the burden of caring for his bereaved elderly father on a daily basis. 1999-02 - Moved to Hong Kong and tried his hand at journalism, with some success, but mainly focussed on teaching English to young students. Ventured also to Thailand, Malaysia, Taiwan and Cambodia. 2002-05 Returned to UK due to father’s illness and largely remained here aside from the occasional visit to Malaysia and China. Picked up the reins of fledgling legal career and started studying to become a Police Station Representative. Also indulged his passion for cooking and assisted his chef friend at a local restaurant 2006 - Met his partner Carolyn and suffered the loss of his father after a long battle with cancer. Revisited Malaysia and Thailand. 2007 - Started a full time job with M & M Solicitors and qualified as an Accredited Police Station Representative. Founded Inverness Metals Ltd Visited Hong Kong and China, cont.... Summary by Decade; 70’s – focus on primary and secondary education 80’s – focus on vocational work and social interest in punk music and youth culture, politically active also, with some leanings being shown towards self employment towards end of decade 90’s – focus on higher education and travel supplemented with various entrepreneurial ventures 00’s – focus on building relationship, home and career Summary of interests; • Cooking and wine • Supporting Cardiff City FC • Avid newspaper reader, keeping abreast of current affairs • Travel, particularly to Asia • Ireland and Irish history – particularly fond of Irish rebel songs