My schoolteacher brought me to Lyme Regis and took me out on the beach under Black Ven. I found an ammonite, and this was a life changing moment. I decided that Palaeontology was the thing for me.
I studied Geology at Oxford and Palaeontology at University College, London. I joined BP as a Palaeontologist and travelled the world using fossils in the exploration for hydrocarbons in places ranging from Arctic Alaska to the Gobi Desert. Excitement, adventure and travel was what I wanted as a young man.
But I got pushed into management, disagreed with the direction and left on impulse. I returned to Lyme Regis to decide what on earth I could do, and, by chance, this building came on the market. I had had no previous interest in having a museum, but it seemed like a good idea.
I studied Geology at Oxford and Palaeontology at University College, London. I joined BP as a Palaeontologist and travelled the world using fossils in the exploration for hydrocarbons in places ranging from Arctic Alaska to the Gobi Desert. Excitement, adventure and travel was what I wanted as a young man.
But I got pushed into management, disagreed with the direction and left on impulse. I returned to Lyme Regis to decide what on earth I could do, and, by chance, this building came on the market. I had had no previous interest in having a museum, but it seemed like a good idea.
Hatching a new Dimorphodon model
Dinosaurland Fossil Museum started on 21st July 1995 with a paltry 113 specimens. It has grown every day since by me collecting from the local beaches and by purchasing anything that seems appropriate. The collection currently numbers more than 30,000 specimens and continues to grow. There is a realisation that I have not even scratched the surface of the subject.
I have written a book about my adventures in industry and the different aspects of developing my museum. It is called The Time of my Life and is available for purchase only by visitors at the museum.
My book for sale at the museum