Author: Howard Clough,
As well as a career in the Technology Department at a well known aero engine manufacturer, I decided to investigate the possibility of running our own family business with myself carrying out a part time administrative role whilst still in full time employment. Several business options were considered, in the end it was decided we should devote our time to caring for the elderly as a natural move coming from a background of child fostering and child minding in Coventry. Our introduction was through Christine working in a local care home.
Some time later in 1987 after careful searching for the right home we purchased Highfield House with planning permission to convert into suitable accommodation for the elderly. It was our intention to keep the home small and friendly with ourselves maintaining a presence throughout the day and night. The home was registered to comfortably accommodate 8 elderly residents. Considerable work and expense was required to meet the necessary environmental health, fire and building regulations. The home was adapted and suitable equipped for the client group before registration was granted.
As our two daughters Joanne and Tessa were brought up in this environment it was natural for them to get involved, Tessa assisted us on a part time bases with Joanne an RGN and further care assistants helping full time. This worked well for 24 years until our retirement in 2011 when we carried out alterations to return the business back into a home for ourselves.
Joanne the eldest lives next door, her interest include most armchair sports and Teyla the Labrador. When we ceased trading Joanne took a career change to be a driving instructor. Tessa worked in child care until 2003 when her boys arrived, first Alex followed by Ethan then Joshua. Living nearby they make frequent appearances to entertain us.
Animals are Christine's interest, our house pets include Ruby a Great Dane, Jasper a talking African Grey Parrot that bites men and Myrtle the Snake Necked Turtle a native of Australia, Myrtle also bites men.
Then there's me, I am 'the mad man of the hills', if it can be climbed without too much technical skill I will be there, otherwise I can be found on the computer, someone has to do this necessary work. The authoring and construction of this web site was one of my jobs.
The opportunity was taken to upload a selection of my holiday photographs on this site, linked from the side buttons. It was also decided to include a pedigree to my maternal grandparents. However more work is required to complete this project. The process of this research and difficulties faced in tracing ones ancestors is summarised in the research notes for William Davidson.
Howard