My friends describe me as a kind, sensitive, and honest person. I like to think the best of my fellow mortals, aspire to be generous of spirit, and try to see the best in people. Not that that makes me a fool. I am also pretty pragmatic. If something doesn’t turn out how I would like it to I try to move on and learn from the experience. I have discovered, occasionally​ the hard way, that you have to live in the present and enjoy what is around you or you will never be happy. I believe in doing my best in every situation – be it at home or work and believe in giving 100%. I suppose I can be described as “What you see is what you get”.

It would be fair to say that I am looking to meet people with similar qualities, values and interests to me. I value honesty, integrity, loyalty, and compassion. It would also be nice you have a sense of humour as well as a sense of irony. I think it's important to be able to laugh at yourself.

Only people genuinely interesting in getting to know me - if you're after my bank details or passport try elsewhere!

I enjoy doing a variety of things. Meeting up with friends to chat, going for a drink or meal, or catch a film or play. I take great pleasure from lively, stimulating company. Sometimes it's just nice to sit, chat, and have a laugh. I’m always willing to try a new restaurant. I might not like the food – but I'll give it a go! I love rummaging around antique shops and second-hand bookstores/m​usic stores - you never know what you'll find! Equally, though, I like to visit and explore new places, go a walk in the countryside,​ or amble along a seashore to relax.

I'm very interested in all things cultural, historical and artistic. History is a major passion and I work and write on the Middle Ages. Needless to say, I love going to museums and galleries. In particular, I love thinking about the story behind a picture. If you know Edward Hopper's 'Nighthawks'​ then tell me what you think. I find it fascinating.​

I think we all owe it to ourselves to try to keep a balance. To shake off my working day I'll go for a run and, just recently, have decided to try something new so I have recently taken up fencing - nothing ventured, nothing gained! I like the combination of skill and fitness.

My musical tastes are fairly diverse and I can listen to most things. I like to be moved by what I hear. If you happen to know and like "The Stolen Child" by the Waterboys then we'll get on. The 80s were my formative years and yes, I do like bands from that era - Visage and Ultravox were my first favourite bands.

Recently discovered Duffy and particularly​ like Stepping Stone
http://uk.y​outube.com/w​atch?v=uHvOm​-o3AA8

However, I would also have to admit to a liking a good rock sound and the Foo Fighters, Kaiser Chiefs, Killers, and the Editors feature prominently on my current play-list. At the same time I like quirky bands - The Hives spring to mind. Good fun if you need to energise yourself.

Oh, and if you get a chance, why not try listening to Asteroids Galaxy Tour, http://uk.y​outube.com/w​atch?v=UTuAX​V8WyuI

Generally speaking, if I want to relax on a Sunday afternoon or evening, I’ll put on something ambient by William Orbit, Brian Eno, or Gregorian Chant.

Have ecclectic tastes but amongst the films I can watch over and over are Casino Royale, LOTR, Brotherhood of the Wolf, Daywatch, Nightwatch, La Reigne Margot, The Duellists, anything with Johnny Depp or Errol Flynn.

CSI (especially Miami), 24, Supernatural​, Smallville, Jericho, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Father Ted, Engrenages, Brother Cadfael, Poirot

I read widely and enjoy all varieties of literature, although I have to confess to a liking for crime, thriller, and detective novels. Raymond Chandler is a particular favourite. I love Philip Marlow’s character, although there are certainly no parallels between him and me! I'm also a fan of James Bond - but the original Ian Fleming character!

Other favourite authors include Thomas Hardy. Not a fan of Dickens but do like a little Oscar Wilde - 'The Picture of Dorian Grey is a must. Oh, if you know where the original art work for the film is now located you'll go up in my estimation a lot.

I will happily read a book with music playing in the background rather than watch tv.

Most recent reads are George Orwell, 'Homage to Catalonia',
C. J. Sansom, 'Winter in Madrid'
Simon Scarrow, 'Under the Eagle'
Alan Furst, 'The Foreign Corresponden​t'
'The Complete Guide to Fencing'
'Deeds of Arms', Steven Muhlberger (if you're into chivalry you might have come across this)

"At least I gave it a go"

"Resolv​e to know thyself, and know that he who finds himself loses his misery"​ (Matthew Arnold)

"I am the Master of my Fate, the Captain of My Soul"