David Smith

Before I retired I was the CEO of the UK's trade Association which represents Artisan or Master Bakers. Previously I ran my own bakery and butchery business in the North of England. Although strangely I still think of myself as a sailor. I went to sea school aged 12 and served in the UK Merchant Marine as a deck officer until I was 22. They do say early experiences are the deepest.

I have always written, initially for my own pleasure. In my job as CEO I had to write advice columns and explanations of legislation for my members. Since retirement I have continued to write for the independent food retailing sector in the UK. I have written for Bake and Take, British Baker, Meat Trades Journal and Convenience Store. I have also written articles for my local county magazine, Hertfordshire Life.

I started using the internet with Windsock and Trumpet when one of my sons was up a tree protesting about a new motorway! It was the only way to stay in touch.

When I retired I started baking bread at home. This I found exceptionally difficult, instead of working with 180 kg of water and bags and bags of flour I was suddenly working in grams and teaspoons. I was aware that my methods needed to change. Now using my professional experience I have perfected my recipes for using at home.

Since childhood I have been interested in travel. Interested in the way people have adapted to the climate and the land around them. Now I am retired I have more time to indulge myself in this interest. I hope my writing will share this interest with others.