“After studying civil engineering at Durham University, I worked in the industry for several years before making journalism - always an interest - my full-time occupation. I spent thirty years as a freelance journalist and broadcaster with my own regional press agency North Press News & Sport before another change to full-time author with 18 books published so far. I continue to write, lecture and also perform my one-man show ‘The Genius of Charles Dickens’.
“As well as my professional work, I have always been very much involved in community activities as a volunteer officer with sports clubs, community associations and local charities. I was a School Governor for many years, and also a local councillor in which capacity I was often called upon to help and advise my constituents. On standing down I am proud to say I was made an Honorary Alderman of both Wear Valley and County Durham.
“In recent years I have taken part in and helped to organise a number of non-religious funerals and this has inspired me to become a professional Independent Funeral and Wedding Celebrant. The training I have received from the Fellowship of Professional Celebrants in partnership with the UK College of Celebrancy has been of a very high standard. Added to my journalistic and presentational skills, I am confident that - with your help and guidance and subject to your full agreement - I can produce exactly the right ceremony for your wants and needs” - Chris Foote-Wood