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When Dave reached the age of 47 he came to a life changing decision. Having reached what he describes as a "plateau" in his career in accounting and management, supported by his wife Polly he decided to become an undergraduate reading Humanities.

His previous role had served him well and he's proud to have been associated with many of the country's top retailers. He's says few people realise what an impact the Hull based Comet group made in terms of pioneering ideas like 'out-of-town' shopping.

After completing an MA at the University of York he accepted the post of Senior Lecturer in Organisational Behaviour at the University of Lincoln.

Writing and reading have always been an important part of his life. His doctoral thesis was about the life and work ofΜύ Dambudzon Marachera, an African writer who was born in Zimbabwe (known as Rhodesia) where he died. Marachera has had a significant impact on Dave's work and after writing his thesis in a more digestible form it was published by Africa World Press.

His play on the same subject was performed in Harare for two weeks. Another play, Tribunal was a winner at the Savannah Festival in 2006 an award which he is particularly proud of.

Closer to home his play, The Dying of the Light has recently completed a tour of the East Riding and was warmly received by audiences in Bridlington and Tickton. In 2007 the play was warmly received by people attending the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Dave says with literally thousands of plays being performed at the festival, he was surprised and delighted by the response it received.

The picture on the page features members of the cast in costume from the play. It concerns a group of older people fighting a campaign and one of their number upping the ante when supporting their cause.

The group who perform Dave's work are part of Wotlarx Enterprises. Dave says the group gives opportunities to for people to get on the stage regardless of age, gender or social status. He's always looking for more people to get involved and encourages them to get in touch with him to show off their talents.

It's twenty years since he made the leap into a different career and he's never regretted turning to a life of writing encompassing plays, poetry and novels.