John trained as a textile engineer during the 1960s in the United Kingdom and Europe. Having specialised in the processing of exotic natural fibres which led to senior management. Encouraged to become involved with the development of wool and mohair processing in South Africa, he moved to the Eastern Cape in 1980 with his family. John remained in South Africa, involved with various textile projects, until returning to the UK in 2006. John has previously been published in the Wool Record Magazine during that time.