Whilst still at teacher training college John was introduced by his friend Dave Pittam to a certain Jean Sansom. When John first met Jean she bought him a drink - which sufficiently impressed him to make him want to see more of her – this being unusual behaviour back then. She recalls that when they first met they “couldn’t stop talking” – something that seemed to carry on for the next 41 years. John moved to Northampton in 1966 and began teaching at Northampton Town and Country Grammar School as was, Jean at Boothville Primary School. They married in Wales in July 1967… as some of the family and friends who attended the service will remember…. Memorably, during their honeymoon, John somehow managed to include in the itinerary a couple of canals he wanted to see…! Also, as some people will know, John made their engagement and wedding rings himself - for which Jean had to become a registered dealer in gold! These weren’t the last of the things he made or did to help make the marriage successful: he also created numerous things around the house, chairs, tables, bowls, a clock…. And, in due course, as a joint project with Jean, he also made a couple of children - in the shape of David and Susan.