Denis used to be a chartered accountant but now prefers to be known as a brewer – he says it is a far more interesting occupation! He is also chairman of Byrom plc, the company recently involved in the logistics of the FIFA World Cup and golf’s Ryder Cup.

Denis recalls being a happy tournament player in the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s – highlights were a Camrose against Northern Ireland, a Gold Cup final (which he lost to the Brock / Forrester team), and a winning Tollemache when part of the old North-West.

You can find Denis enjoying a regular rubber bridge session at Manchester Bridge Club, but he also plays duplicate bridge of course, being a member of one of the teams playing in local league matches in Manchester and Bolton.

Intending to put something back into the game, he joined the EBU board in 1996 and was elected vice-chairman in 1999.

Outside interests include travel, music, education and business economics together with all sports, but especially football, golf and skiing. Denis is the current holder of the Company of Brewers golf trophy at their Spring 2002 meeting (big deal!), and around 50 years ago was a “Busby babe” with Man. United. Skiing – won nothing! He is a great believe in traditional English beer, and feels that no finer example can be found than Thwaites cask conditioned. Denis feels that lagers are very drinkable on the Continet, but should not be preferred in these sceptred isles! He also enjoys wine, preferring the dryer taste of Chablis and Claret, but considers Spanish Rioja excellent as are some of the New World Vintages like “Cloudy Bay” from New Zealand. He assures me that when in Ireland he only drinks “stout” !

Denis has a bridge playing wife, five children (two boys and three girls) and 5 grand-children (three boys and two girls), a large blak “Bouvier des Flandres” called Cassandra (Cassie for short). Cassie is a Belgian farm dog who keeps the family alert and on their toes.

Other things that might interest you about Denis

Hopes for the EBU:

	Better communications with members, clubs and counties.
	Better services to members – giving players every good reason to want to join the Union.
	Large increase in membership – leading to reduced subscriptions, increased advertising revenue, and more pull with government.
	Stable financial position.
	To see the English Teams winning at European and World Level