Andrew Cole - "Sharp as a Knife"

’Sharp as a knife’ - The people, places and experiences that shaped my long canal trip from Gas Street Basin to Block Eary.

Andrew Cole was born in Sheffield into a family with heritage in shopkeeping, architecture and education.  His parents were both teachers whose work took the family to London, Walsall and Hull before their retirement.  Each place made a lasting impression on Andrew in different ways, contributing significantly to his values, beliefs and interests. 

He worked briefly as a pork butcher before pursuing a calling to teach secondary students in the South Yorkshire coalfield and the Isle of Man.  He now uses his experience to volunteer, leading charities, engaging with challenging  projects and in organising. 

Andrew plays the oboe in the Isle of Man Symphony Orchestra.  His main leisure pursuits are music, hill walking and the English canal system. 

He is a husband, father and grandfather who currently lives in Ballaugh, Isle of Man.