SIR ALAN COCKSHAW - BUILDING BRIDGES - CONNECTING PEOPLE

 SIR ALAN COCKSHAW 

BUILDING BRIDGES - CONNECTING PEOPLE

How to Order

HARDBACK  £20  & UK postage £4.50

By Post: Mail to Lynn Davidson, The Memoir Club, 34 Lynwood Way, South Shields, Tyne & Wear, NE34 8DB cheque payable to Lynn Davidson.

By Email memoirclub@msn.com   OR MOBILE 0755 2086888

Bank transfer details    Lynn Davidson      Barclays

20 83 69        83948145  please insert COCKSHAW as bank reference

Building Bridges - Connecting People is an examination of the life and work of one of the UK’s most distinguished civil engineers. Written in his inimitable style, it is an engaging portrait of a driven man and his charm and lust for life. In this fascinating autobiography, readers will learn about Sir Alan’s early years and his engineering education under esteemed mentors, showing both the highs and lows of a life lived in the spotlight.

 

It is an honest story but also a useful historical document, giving a contemporary account of some major infrastructure developments written from an engineer’s point of view. It outlines the combination of grappling with technical problems, and the added challenges of politics.

 

His forty years of involvement in urban regeneration, vast business leadership experience and local knowledge were invaluable during the regeneration of Hulme and the rebuilding of Manchester city centre.

 

Sir Alan discusses his belief that engineers are problem solvers not problem creators. He emphasizes that the future of engineering requires more cooperation and partnering which would provide huge cost savings and greater efficiencies. He discusses the need for local and central government and the private sector to work together for the benefit of society as a whole. 

AUTHOR

Sir Alan Cockshaw is a highly respected figure in the business world. Born in Manchester he spent his early career in both the public and private sectors. He became the Chief Executive of Fairclough Civil Engineering in 1978 and a Director of Amec in 1982 before his appointment as Group Chief Executive in 1984. In 1988 he became Chairman until his retirement in 1997.

 He was Chairman of Manchester Millenium (1996-2000), English Partnerships and Commission for the New Towns (1998-2001) and Roxboro plc (1998-2002).

He became a Director of Pidemco, Singapore (1991-2001), Director of CapitaLand, Singapore & UK, and the International Advisory Board (2001-2007).

He was Chairman of the Governors of Bolton School (1997-2007) and Chairman of the Major Projects Association (2005-2010).

 He became a fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering in 1986 and was President of the Institution of Civil Engineers (1997-98). He holds two Honorary Doctorates from Manchester and Salford Universities.

He was knighted in 1992.

FOREWORD

by

The Rt Hon. the Lord Heseltine CH

It is a curiosity of ministerial life that there is no formal process of training. One day you are a backbencher with a constituency to look after aided by whatever public or private sector experience that preceded your election to the House of Commons. A day later you are seated behind a desk appropriate to the dignity and status as one of His Majesty’s ministers responsible for policy direction over a myriad of issues about which you may have little knowledge or experience. You will of course, have a feel for what your party expects of you! An outside observer may feel that there must be a better way to run a whelk stall.

I revert to the concept of training ministers. If I were to design such a scheme Alan’s book would be required reading. He brings the objectivity of a trained professional to the multi-disciplined challenges of public policy. I share his view that once an objective has been set the first essential is to put someone in charge and create a mechanism to deliver. Results will invariably depend on cooperation between the public and private sectors based on an understanding of the essential contributions that both can bring. He makes the important point that as many of the problems to be solved have similarities abroad it makes sense to see how other countries cope.

There is a fashion to promote recently graduated party enthusiasts to act as political advisers to ministers. I never did that but time and again I appointed advisers to bring their specialist expertise into the heart of the civil service. Alan’s story is a role model of how men and women with proven track records can be attracted into public service for the enrichment of us all.

 

Sir Alan and his wife Brenda have four adult children and live in the Manchester area.

 

MICHAEL SAUNDERS - FROM BARBED WIRE TO MOORLAND

MICHAEL SAUNDERS - FROM BARBED WIRE TO MOORLAND

Proceeds from the sale of books will go to Médecins Sans Frontières.

How to Order

HARDBACK  £14.50  & UK postage £3

SOFTBACK £9.50  & UK postage £3

By Post: Mail to Lynn Davidson, The Memoir Club, 34 Lynwood Way, South Shields, Tyne & Wear, NE34 8DB cheque payable to Lynn Davidson.

By Email memoirclub@msn.com   OR MOBILE 0755 2086888

Bank transfer details    Lynn Davidson      Barclays

20 83 69        83948145  please insert SAUNDERS as bank reference

AUTHOR

Michael Saunders has led a full and varied life, dominated by roles as a medical neurologist and an Anglian priest. His journey is both challenging and at times painful as he discusses his personal battle with a slow progressive form of muscular dystrophy leaving him as a full time wheel-chair user.

The author shares his life story and reflects on a time of transition in medicine and the practice of Christianity. He is open about his struggles with mental health and the movement from an exclusivist conservative evangelical version of Christianity to religious pluralism. This book emphasises the importance of intellectual honesty in any journey of self-discovery.

Michael is a retired consultant neurologist and Church of England priest. He spent many years in both roles simultaneously and has worked predominately in North East England and North Yorkshire. He spent a short time as a medical missionary in South India before returning to the UK through ill health. He is married to a retired psychiatrist and has four adult children and lives in the Yorkshire Dales.

AUTHORS WIFE, CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN

This book is the story of a life starting on the South Coast of England just before World War Two and nearing completion in a historic small market town in North Yorkshire, at the foot of beautiful moorland, in the 21^st century. The period represents a time of transition for the three most important things that have fashioned me. These are religion, medicine and a progressive muscle disease that has resulted in disabilities. I describe my religious and spiritual journey to ordination as an Anglican priest and subsequent ministry, life as a medical neurologist, and the diagnosis and progression of a form of muscular dystrophy.

The practice of formal Christianity has declined in the West. All-embracing dogmatic frameworks no longer impact on the majority of people. Advances in science challenge forms of religion that do not adapt to new knowledge. Young people have difficulty connecting with the established Church in the United Kingdom that is unable to embrace issues related to human sexual orientation and gender identity and at the same time unable to deal effectively with institutional sexual abuse. Increased global awareness has unveiled the challenge that other great faiths bring to Christian exclusivism. Instead of a move towards Christian liberalism, there seems to be a retreat into conservative Christianity during my lifetime. Large ‘successful’ churches may appear to suggest a general flourishing in churchgoing, but this is illusory. We live in a secular state. I describe my struggles with dogmatic Christianity, leading to a more open faith. I conclude that the majority of people who describe themselves as Christians are not within the walls of Christendom in the country I inhabit.

The practice of medicine has changed dramatically due to scientific progress. Many diseases are now treatable, and life expectancy has increased globally, but unequally. The advent of new imaging techniques and laboratory advances makes disease diagnosis more straightforward and accurate. Discoveries in genetics have enabled better classification of groups of disorders and novel treatment options. The development of vaccines has reduced the impact of some infectious diseases and eradicated smallpox. Yet, other new infections have occurred, including AIDS and the Covid pandemic. The discovery of antibiotics has reduced the mortality and morbidity of bacterial infections, although antibiotic resistance has emerged as a challenge to their effective use.

Society takes a more enlightened attitude towards people with impairments and disabilities. Advances in equipment design and development have reduced handicap, and there are more accessible buildings. Legislation has enhanced progress.

Unfortunately, aids for people like myself, with muscular dystrophy and other neurological diseases may be expensive and unavailable through the National Health Service. Self-funding or charitable donations fill the void in service provision.

My family has been my inspiration. I pay tribute to their love and support through good times and bad. They may not share my opinions all the time, but we have discussed and argued in a way that only families can. Although my days have been happy, privileged and fulfilling, there have been periods of difficulty and sadness. Although it is tempting to omit such episodes, they are part of me. There is no point in recalling a sequence of events without reflection, but I have tried to place any sorrows in perspective. I have seen enough poverty and suffering in this world to realise that I have lived a good life, full of interest and meaning. 

Dr Martin O'Dell - MAKING A DIFFERENCE - A CIVIL ENGINEER'S WORLD

 

How to order

MAKING A DIFFERENCE - A CIVIL ENGINEER'S WORLD

HARDBACK 250 photographs in text 393 pages

UK

                   HARDBACK £22  & UK postage £4.50

By Post: Mail to Lynn Davidson, The Memoir Club, 34 Lynwood Way, South Shields, Tyne & Wear, NE34 8DB cheque payable to Lynn Davidson.

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Author's name or book and the number of copies required.

Your details NAME, ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER                                           

Bank transfer details    Lynn Davidson      Barclays 20 83 69 83948145  

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Conquest of the 7th continent

The family: Rowan, Oscar, Kylie and
Nicholas at back with Robyn, Ava and myself seated

HOW TO ORDER FROM AUSTRALIA 

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REVIEW: 

Making a Difference is highly recommended reading.   S M Baint

Few books about engineering engage the general reader. Engineering work is considered too specialized for the general reading public and engineers are given little credit for the work they do. Or as Martin O’Dell writes, while medics deservedly get praise, ‘engineers often go unsung’. Making a Difference is the exception.

Meet the engineer who sets out to rectify the omission, an attitude that reflects his approach to some of the most daunting engineering projects around the world. If there is a problem: solve it. If something is lacking: fill the gap. If the dam wall leaks fix it. 

Martin O’Dell, a civil engineer, has written a compelling adventure story about his work in twenty-one countries, constructing, amongst other things, mega-sized dams, sewerage plants, and village water supplies. The word ‘adventure’ is used advisedly. One of the most attractive features of the book is the way it generates the author’s enthusiasm and optimism about the countries he visits, even in the face of physical danger and bureaucratic procrastination. Life is an adventure full of challenges and opportunities and he meets life full on. The result, as the title promises, is that he has made a difference to the lives of millions of people. 

It is a transformative book. After reading, you can never again take for granted having a shower, flushing the toilet, or turning on the tap for a drink of water. What is a ‘norm’ for us, however, has been denied to so many communities around the world. Martin O’Dell and his teams set out to make these basic amenities possible, bringing sanitation and water to underprivileged peoples, changing their lives forever.

While this book deals with the technological problems involved in building dams and sewerage systems (quite a specialized interest) it is above all a book about people. Throughout his career, Martin consulted with local engineers and local communities as an essential part of his projects. He was always conscious that no job could be satisfactorily completed without the aid and co-operation of local expertise.

He listened to what people wanted and when engaging with a new project readily accepted advice from local experts. People were central to success, whether it was co-operating with Zulu Chieftains in Southern Africa, or members of the Snowdonia Board in North Wales, or the Palestinian Surveyor (Abdul Latif) in Saudi Arabia. 

Martin was appointed the Deputy Project Manager for building the Mudhiq Dam in Saudi Arabia and he gives a telling insight into the complexities of such an undertaking: ‘…roads and tunnels; bridges; huge concrete pours; large-scale mechanical works; major temporary works; building works; survey and monitoring; and the need for innovative design.’ 

One of the more distressing aspects of his work was learning to accept the customs of societies very different to his own. For example, the occasions when he was faced with what to him were draconian Sharia laws that could not be appealed. ‘The right hand was amputated for theft. For murder, rape, or drug offences the sentence was beheading.’  He reports the situation with a typical dry, ironic humour: ‘“Chop square” saw action on many Fridays.’

Dr Martin O’Dell was no armchair academic. During his late adolescence, with few academic qualifications to his name, he was at a loss as to what career path to follow. A chance encounter with his school’s Deputy Head turned out to be fortuitous: ‘You are good at Latin, Larry (his nickname), so why not consider civil engineering?’  Quirky advice and he never did understand the link between Latin and engineering.  But the world can be grateful that he took up the challenge. 

BOOK

From an inauspicious start of not knowing what career to embark on, wading through multiple options and initially receiving uninviting job offers, Martin (Larry) carved out a remarkable life as a civil engineer in the water sector. He worked in many parts of the world, undertaking challenging projects, and meeting engaging people along the way. 

Martin’s memoir weaves the technical aspects of his work with wonderful experiences of living and travelling through countries with diverse political and social cultures.

Martin grew up in St Albans, Hertfordshire in the period after the war when children could be carefree. They were expected to go out and play in the street or the woods from morning until dusk and come home for tea!

There were few restrictions, no one worried, and we were OK. No bike helmets, no concern about hitch-hiking, no seat belts and no drink driving laws! How did we survive?

After six years at university in the revolutionary years of 63 to 69 (Beatles to Woodstock), Martin headed for the big wide world, starting in Africa, and rarely returning to the UK. He met his wife Robyn in Australia and together they explored the world. Two children along the way made travel a challenge on occasion.

Martin and Robyn live in Melbourne close to their two sons and two grandchildren.

Martin and his wife Robyn on an artic adventure

PREFACE

This is an adventure story for surely that is what life is supposed to be. It describes the highlights of my lifetime as a civil engineer in the international arena and the many varied challenges and pleasure opportunities it has afforded. It is a personal adventure starting with the uncertainty of what to do with one’s life, as I imagine many do.

My career spanned the construction of large, heavy civil engineering projects, through to small water supply schemes, engaging closely with village communities. It covered a forty-five-year time period, twenty-seven of those working overseas in twenty-one different countries, contributing to the improved livelihoods of millions of people in the developing world. It also witnessed huge technological changes from slide-rule to laptop.

The engineering projects have been presented in scale, range and the unusual, rather than technical detail. All have had their highlights; few have had downsides.

I have revelled in my career and all the fascinating experiences that have come with it. Such pleasure was enhanced by my wife, Robyn, who was able to embrace the years living abroad, occasionally in difficult circumstances, and who had to put up with me being away from home, sometimes for months on end. Our sons, Rowan and Nicholas, survived their upbringing. They enjoyed their time in foreign countries, what they can remember of it, they certainly added to our experiences.

I have written my story primarily for myself, to enjoy it all over again, and again, and again – with each subsequent edit! It would also be a shame not to document the experiences of a lifetime for children and grandchildren and for anyone else who might be thinking of heading along a similar path. Of course, these are my memories and they may not always be entirely accurate. So, forgive me if anyone believes I have bent some truths, but who lets facts get in the way of a good story.

Sir James Carlisle - A Life Shaped by Extraordinary Circumstances

 

How to order

A Life Shaped by Extraordinary Circumstances

                   HARDBACK £20  & postage £4.50

By Post: Mail to Lynn Davidson, The Memoir Club, 34 Lynwood Way, South Shields,         Tyne & Wear, NE34 8DB UK cheque payable to Lynn Davidson.

By Email memoirclub@msn.com   OR MOBILE 00 44 755 2086888

By bank transfer: Lynn Davidson, Barclays, 20 83 69    83948145

SWIFT BUKBGB22      IBAN  GB49BUKB20836983948145

Presentation at Antigua book launch Feb 2024

Sir James and Lady Carlisle after the investiture

Grandchildren

After completing his elementary education at Bolans Public School, Antigua, Sir James was appointed as a pupil teacher at the same school. He continued to study by taking a number of General Certificate of Education Courses by correspondence. Eager to acquire higher education he emigrated to Britain where he planned to work and study. He attended evening classes at the Working Men’s College in St Pancras, London and Northwestern Polytechnic, Kentish Town, London. 

In 1961 he joined the Royal Air Force where he was trained as a medic /decompression operator. While in the military Sir James took advantage of the educational opportunities offered. Following his demob in 1966 he attended the Northampton College of Technology where he took a number of A-level science courses. In 1967 he was admitted to the University of Dundee to study dentistry. He graduated as a dental surgeon in 1972.

He was employed in the National Health Service for seven years before returning to Antigua where he became involved with a number of community and charitable projects. When the first Governor-General, Sir Wilfred Jacobs retired due to ill health, the prime minister recommended him to Her Majesty the Queen to be appointed to the post. He served in this capacity for fourteen years (1993-2007).

 

COAT OF ARMS

Sir James has been the recipient of a number of Honours and Awards:

Knight Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George (GCMG).

Knight of Justice of the Order of St John (KStJ).

Knight Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order of the Nation (KGN).

Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Sheba (GCQS).

A Banner and Plate of the Order of St Michael and St George. These are permanently displayed in St Paul’s Cathedral, London.

Coat of Arms from the Royal College of Arms, London.

Doctor of Laws ad hominem (LLD) from Andrews University, USA.

Fellowship in Dental Surgery (FDS) ad hominem from the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.

Centennial Fellow of the Royal College of Edinburgh in 2005. His name is engraved in the Hall of the famous Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.

Membership of the British Dental Association.

Fellowship of the International College of Dentists (FICD).

Charter member of the International Academy of Laser Dentists.

Book launch Antigua

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5cy6bNKBxY

REVIEWS/ARTICLES

Office of the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua News Room

 
https://www.facebook.com/OPMAntiguaBarbuda/?locale=en_GB

Former Governor General Sir James Carlisle pens autobiography. Makes Presentation to Prime Minister Browne

ST. JOHN’S, Antigua and Barbuda – 7th March 2024…..Former Governor General, Sir James Carlisle, who served in the post from 1993 to 2007, has penned an autobiography that chronicles his life from humble beginnings to ascending to the office of Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda.

Sir James, accompanied by his wife, Lady Emma, made a presentation of the book to Prime Minister Gaston Browne on Tuesday. He told the prime minister that he had very good reasons for writing the book. It is entitled ‘A Life Shaped by Extraordinary Circumstances’ and it traces Sir James’ life from childhood in Bolans to his journey to the UK and his quest for higher learning, his service in the Royal Air Force and his decision to study as a doctor specializing in dentistry. He later returned to Antigua to open his dental office. He was appointed as Governor General following the death of Sir Wilfred Jacobs.

“I remember after Sir Wilfred Jacobs had passed and I had assumed office, a reporter came to Government House and queried ‘what should I write about him. I know nothing of him (Sir Wilfred). I don’t want that to happen to me. This is my attempt at leaving my footprints in the sand of time,” Sir James remarked.

The former governor general told the prime minister that despite having ‘mobility issues’ he felt that it was important for him to visit the Office of the Prime Minister to make the presentation to him in person.

In response, PM Browne thanked Sir James for the gift of the book and also thanked him for his many years of service to the people of Antigua and Barbuda.

“You have certainly made your mark and it is good that you have documented it as I have seen too many instances of people trying to re-write history. So, where we fail to document, we allow for this mis-interpretation of facts. You are from humble beginnings and have risen to the top office in our country; you have made your contribution and having it documented is a good thing. What is good too is that it is an autobiography written by you so it doesn’t get more authentic than that,” he observed.

The prime minister also expressed the hope that other officials who have made significant contributions would follow the example set by Sir James to write their respective stories. “This would avoid leaving the interpretations to others or having them made the subject of political spin. I must give you credit for having the discipline to actually sit down and write your life’s work. Others have had the ability, but did not possess that discipline which is required to undertake a project such as this,” PM Browne noted.

According to the prime minister, Sir James’ time in office was one of exemplary work and honour that he brought to the office.

Additionally, both Sir James and the PM Browne called on young people in the country to look past their current circumstances and to set themselves lofty goals and to strive to achieve them.

Bolans to his journey to the UK and his quest for higher learning, his service in the Royal Air Force and his decision to study as a doctor specialising in dentistry. He later returned to Antigua to open his dental office. He was appointed as Governor-General following the death of Sir Wilfred Jacobs. “I remember after Sir Wilfred Jacobs had passed and I had assumed office, a reporter came to Government House and queried ‘what should I write about him. I know nothing of him (Sir Wilfred). I don’t want that to happen to me. This is my attempt at leaving my footprints in the sand of time,” Sir James remarked. Both Sir James and PM Browne called on young people in the country to look past their current circumstances and to set themselves lofty goals and to strive to achieve them.’

INSTAGRAM – Faith Smith USA

To hear my father’s story most people wouldn’t believe it. So what should you do when you have had a life shaped by extraordinary circumstances? You should definitely write a book! From being one of the best-dressed children in his village to then losing his father and it all at the age of 5, forced to go barefoot, sell coal and cut sugarcane to help his family survive. Literally fighting against all odds, he managed to turn his days of walking in the slums into 14 years of walking into the Palace of Her Majesty the late Queen Elizabeth ll. My dad went from leaving a country he thought he would never return to, into leading his country. I always say I don’t have a story to tell. Because hearing my father’s life story I’m always like wow, I ain’t got nothing amazing to share.
But you know what? With a dad like mine who needs their own story 😂I just tell his. It’s amazing for the both of us!