Following a period of disturbance in the lives of my parents, and uncertainty about my future direction, I heard about a job that was to be advertised as a technician at Myerscough College. I applied, and my career moved back on track. The role of the technician was very similar to that which it had been at Cannington, although the focus was exclusively on amenity horticulture and arboriculture. I worked with Ben Andrews, a name well known in these parts, and someone who had taught me as an apprentice, and many other names that will be known to those who passed through the College.

The main focus of my work was on craft skills for young parks staff, although there were also courses for mature adult greenkeepers and adults wishing to re-train for a career in horticulture. There was a strong focus on turf management skills, and plant identification. I found myself enjoying the work because, although not exactly at the cutting edge of technology, it was helping to set young people on their future career -- a helping hand that I had appreciated several years before. Nature conservation was a new element, and this, together with a growth in countryside appreciation courses, shifted my emphasis somewhat.

Like its Somerset equivalent, Myerscough was a thoroughly pleasant job. For most of the time I was based at the Winmarleigh Centre with Eric Unsworth, helping with day and block release classes, and many of the managers people in Lancashire's parks today have been through this mill, just as I had in the early 60's. The building was a gorgeous country red brick mansion with a hugh oak church style front door and a tower rising in the centre. The top two floors of the tower were the first home for Barbara and I when we married. There was a snooker room with oak panels and games room, a regency decorated gilt staffroom and a feeling that this was the life! At weekends, when block release students had returned home, that grew even stronger.

This was also the time that further study led to the next level of the National Diploma in Horticulture, before moving to work for South Ribble Borough Council.