Mel's Web Pages .................................................

Melvin Ashton

Personal & Present Details
	I was 71 years of age on 30th August, 2011. Married Meg (nee Cowen) in 1964 Divorced 1989. Partner June Spawforth (from 1990). Meg and I had no family, June has a Step Son & Step Daughter - both with families. (Tragically, June's step daughter was recently killed in a light aircraft crash) We lost our miniature Yorkshire Terrier 'Holly' on 8th May, 2008 (14.5 years of age). We lost our poodle 'Sonny' on 29/08/02 and our budgie 'Peter' in December, 2004. No more pets but ... Our 'family' is now a Toy Poodle 'Chloe' - D.O.B. 02/08/08
Isherwood's Period
	I left school at 14 years of age - due to my birth date 30th August (ANY PREZZIES WELCOME !!) I had to wait until I was 15 to start an apprenticeship at Alwyn Isherwood Ltd. With no GCE's etc, the Service Manager - George Crossland - said my appointment was probationary and that I MUST attend Evening Classes and that if I failed I might lose my job (trembles !!) 1955-59 Radio & TV Service Apprentice - mainly TV service work (inside at George Street Wakefield). 1959-62 Ran the 'Tube Factory' - crt reconditioning (black & white !) at Barnsley This is where I met Meg who worked in the Barnsley service department office. 1962-63 TV Service work (the 'tube factory' was closed due to offers from Mullard & Mazda - the auditors later said the 'tube factory' was probably the most profitable section of Isherwoods!) Left Isherwoods in 1963 to work (initially) as a technician at Kitson College of Technology - now Leeds City College.
Further Information
	I had done some part time teaching at Kitson College while at Isherwoods. I moved into full time teaching at Kitson College in 1966 and was also a part time tutor for the Open University for 9 years (to 1988). I took early retirement from teaching in 1990 - at 50 years of age - as a result of ill health following my divorce. From 1993 to 1997 I ran a 'Narrowboat Charter' business but sold the business due to various problems (though the business was progressing well !).
Other Interests
	My main interest was cruising the Inland Waterways in my boat. Unfortunately now no boat !! Take a look at my boats and boat logs if you wish - there are picture links - particularly on our Wakefield area and North Yorkshire cruises. Some years ago I attended a 'free' course at Wakefield College to up-date my computer knowledge (I had not even tried Microsoft Windows before). The City & Guilds qualifications (levels 1 & 2) were not compulsory but I took them (and passed !). They covered the usual basics - Microsoft Windows, Word Processing (Word), Spreadsheets (Excel), and Databases (Access). I enjoyed the course and subsequently covered 'Telematics' - the Internet, Email and Basic Web Page Design. I then completed the 'Telematics 2' course at Wakefield College. I do this as an interest (hobby) but am trying to help the funding with basic web sites for home or small business use. Take a look at my websites if you wish. Please let me know - by the email or web form facilities- that you have taken a look. I haven't included a 'Guest Book' since email / mail form should suffice. Now fully retired & help out with Outwood Computer Club at Outwood Memorial Hall.
Pictures
	Mel's Pictures Other Pictures
Your Information
	Please let me have some present and past information - particularly the Isherwood's period - which I can include in this website.. I would prefer you to use email or mail form, but if you wish, you can telephone me: (01924) 834 464 home (07740) 282 567 mobile. Or use 'snail mail' to my home address (obtainable by email or telephone).