Autor: Eric Newton

Although born and bred on Tyneside, Eric Newton has lived for some forty years in the cathedral City of Lincoln. Nevertheless, he is still proud of his Geordie roots. As a chartered civil engineer, albeit now retired, most of his working career was spent in the water supply sector managing the design and construction of major works projects. Travelling has always been a great interest and during the latter part of his career, the opportunity arose to visit and work in a number of countries that formed part of the former Soviet Union, advising on water supply matters. Interests also included fell walking especially in the Lake District and Scotland, together with rugby union in which he played up to his early fifties in the front row. Now in his early seventies with two replacement knees, these activities are a thing of the past. However he still enjoys travelling, having visited many places and countries around the world. Over recent years, Eric has made the most of his “oldies” concessionary bus pass, a benefit available to all UK citizens over the age of sixty, at least for the time being. Using the local service buses to travel to places not previously visited and accompanied by his dog Archie, a Jack Russell / cairn terrier cross, has been an enjoyable experience and has “broadened the mind”. The trip from Lands End to John O’Groats via Berwick-upon-Tweed, was the first of a series of such bus journeys that he has planned and undertaken. Married with three children and two step-children, now all adults, he is finding that retired life is as busy as ever, albeit more enjoyable without the hassle and stress of having to work for a living. The old cliché about “not knowing how I found time to go to work” has been found to be so true.