Getting to know *YOU* - Stephen Boyes
An occasional chat to find out a little bit more about some of our Marsh and Micklefield neighbours…
Jean Peasley in conversation with Stephe
I first met Stephen as a new neighbour when he moved into the newly built house in our close with his wife Dawn. Over the years, I have come to know him better and as, anyone who has walked through Beech Close will know, he is a hard man to miss or ignore!
Read on to find out a little more about Stephen…
Stephen enjoyed a varied working life which started in shipping then subsequently encompassed retailing, pharmaceuticals, food, beverages and paper at senior managerial level rising to Sales, Operations and Managing Director roles in the UK, Europe and Asia Pacific. It wasn’t all high flying from the start though, as he does have early fond memories of working for Woolworths as a floor manager for the princely sum of £7 per week!
Along with Heinz-Erin Foods, ‘Basildon Bond’ and Nash Mills, Stephen was at one point Business Development Director for London Tea and Produce which supplied tea to, amongst others, Harrods and Concorde. Work took Stephen and Dawn to the Far East where he worked for SAPPI, in Hong Kong then Intercontinental Forest products in Singapore. Thereafter he undertook work as an independent consultant before, after six years away, he decided to retire from the hustle and bustle of corporate life, and return to the UK, living in High Wycombe for 13 years before moving to Wycombe Marsh 14 years ago.
Stephen has a passion for cars and motorcycles, which he used to full advantage on returning to the UK in several roles where his driving skills and complete discretion were used to the full.
Originally from Hull, as a child, Stephen was a Cathedral Chorister at Wells Cathedral School, but now is firmly a Wycombe Marsh resident who says he enjoys living here because it is a small community with lovely residents. Stephen is very much a family man and he and Dawn celebrate their 60th Wedding Anniversary on 5th November this year with close family including their two sons and five grandchildren. The pride and love he has for his family is very evident when he talks about them and justifiably so.
Favourite hobbies/past times?
Stephen keeps busy and enjoys gardening, cooking, DIY, and loves researching all manner of subjects out of interest and to expand his knowledge. He says he is a man who likes hard facts rather than grey areas and lack of accurate information. Despite his interest in research, unlike Dawn, he rarely reads for pleasure and takes no formal exercise or indulges in sporting activities but does eat sensibly. Given the energy he uses up with all the community activities he is involved with, it is good to hear he looks after himself.
What are you up to at the moment?
Stephen’s dislikes include anti-social behaviour, littering, drugs, noisy and speeding cars and motorbikes, which goes some way to explain his roles as the local Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator, Chair of the Abbey and Ryemead Neighbourhood Action Group and co-Chair of Wycombe Marsh Community Environment Group. As well as being involved in these groups, experience has shown time and time again that Stephen is always prepared to roll up his sleeves or put pen to paper to help anyone in need, not bad for someone who celebrates his 80th birthday on the 7th of November this year!
What are your goals?
Creating and maintaining Community safety, communication, cohesion, ambience and happiness is his mission in life.
What does time off look like?
Stephen does find time to relax on holiday and he and Dawn enjoy nothing more than a cruise, where he relishes the feeling of being pampered in beautiful surroundings, eating good food, attending shows and lectures and listening to live music. If all this sounds quite indulgent, Stephen is still a man very much in touch with his roots and as a lad from Hull, when asked, he stated firmly his preferred last meal would be fish (haddock), chips and mushy peas with no doubt a cup of his favourite Lavazza coffee, (black, no sugar).
This article only gives you a brief taste of Stephen and his life, but although he is a great listener, he also likes to chat, and you will also receive a cheery ‘hello’ if he sees you when he is out and about. As a neighbour and member of the community, Stephen is warm, friendly and an outstanding resident and community champion and I think it is fair to say Wycombe Marsh is richer for him choosing to live here.