Hello!

Hi y'all. Just a quick introduction as this is my first post on here. I'm Chris aka bicycle_repair_bloke, living in Wistaston Green, Crewe, Cheshire. Been retired since the end of 2012 but seem to be busier than ever... well, like everyone else this year, I was, until this nasty bug appeared.  Spent most of my working life as a technician employed by various bodies such as the British Army (Royal Signals), BT, Colston and Ariston (and on and on!) Domestic Appliances, a firm installing and maintaining fire alarms, radio and room-call systems in hotels and guest houses, back to BT again and also back to the Green Machine as a civvy technician. Last paid employment was fixing (or attempting to) Lexmark printers for the likes of Tesco and RBS group. You could say I'm fairly handy but I do appreciate my limitations and will happily seek advice when needed. Good reason to join this forum!

Currently driving a 2011 vintage Octavia II 1.8 TSI bought at about 12 months old from Mitchells Skoda near Cheshire Oaks. This is my third Octavia and I'm very pleased with the model. I tow a Bailey Ranger GT60 touring caravan with it (somewhat infrequently these days) and the car handles the 'van well although it's a touch on the heavy side.

Current interests are U3a... I play in and lead two table tennis groups and am a member of a team quiz group. I also take part in local charity quizzes with other quizzers from the U3a. I regularly attend a local Anglican church where I am an assistant Churchwarden and choir member.