Mel was born in Nottingham and was educated at the Peoples College where the emphasis was on the manual trades although he showed an aptitude for maths. After leaving school, he worked as a furniture maker and a telephone engineer with the Post Office before joining the Police force. He served for 28 years and did several different jobs but as he looks back he considers the years he spent on the Dog Section to be the happiest.
Mel's police dogs were all German Shepherds/Alsatians. Mel joined the Nottingham City Police (later Nottingham Combined Constabulary) Dog Section in 1965. His first dog was a grey and black one who only lasted a week or so having proved unsuitable for the work. Kim came next - black and gold who was highly intelligent, easily trained but afraid of the dark. Next came his longest lasting dog. This was BLITZ - capitals as he was such a big bold brave animal. He was followed by Ci and then Rinty.On his retirement he studied acupuncture and was a practitioner for several years.
One of his interests was the restoration of the Grantham Canal and for several years he was the Chairman of the restoration society dedicated to that end.
After his move to Australia, where he had envisaged he would be a retired gentleman, he found himself working full time as an electricians mate and found this a wonderful introduction to the life and people here. On retirement, on health grounds, he has found himself very busy in various organisations. He is treasurer of Narrogin Sporting Shooters, treasurer of the Horticultural Society, committee member of the Senior Citizens Centre and Narrogin Cottage Homes. He stood for council as he does enjoy helping people and he has a strong sense of justice and fair play.
