Other accolades include 12yrs service in Defence Forces - Naval Service and Army Corps of Engineers.
With a love of the outdoors John trained colleagues and youth leaders in mountaincraft and navigation.
As a volunteer member of the local RNLI Lifeboat Crew since the age of 16 he served for over 30 years in roles that included crew, helm, and training coordinator. John is also a commercial Yachtmaster Instructor who enjoys a bit of warm weather sailing when not coaching or working his day job.