David was born in Stockport and lived in Romiley for 21 years. He was educated at Romiley Primary school and Marple Hall, before going on to Edge Hill Teacher Training College. He also attended the University of Wisconsin-River Falls on an exchange programme, which included teaching practice in Deadwood, in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
His first summer job was working in a menswear store in Buxton.
He moved to Whaley Bridge in 1977, taking up his first teaching post at Taxal Lodge, a residential special school. Since 1985 he has taught at New Mills school where he has been SENCO for 24 years as well as teaching a range of subjects.
He was a keen local cricketer first for Romiley and then Mellor in the Glossop and District League. He made his senior debut for Romiley at age of 13 keeping Birch Vale’s bowlers at bay for an hour without scoring a run. He developed into an opening bat and kept wicket for many years for Mellor first and second teams before becoming an occasional bowler.
He was also involved in national basketball for many years including being secretary of National League team Stockport Giants.
He has a keen interest in the environment, enjoys camping, travel, and walking particularly with Monty his dog. He is Chair of the Whaley Bridge Tymbark Twinning Association.
He is married to Hilary, who was born in Darley Dale. Hilary has 2 sons and they have 3 grandchildren. Together they run a Bed & Breakfast business.
David is a Town Councillor and has represented Whaley Bridge on the Borough Council since 1981. He was previously Mayor in 1996-7 and Leader of High Peak Borough Council 2003-7.