Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Interests
Timeline
Generic

David Cragg

Altrincham,Cheshire

Summary

Creative Artist with diverse experience in studying, writing, and outdoor activities. Developed a passion for artwork inspired by nature, transitioning from early interests in railways and military themes to wildlife watercolours. Committed to expanding technical skills and exploring creativity in a dedicated artistic pursuit.

Overview

36
36
years of professional experience

Work History

Author

Self
Wigton, Cumbria
01.2011 - Current
  • Wrote a complete trilogy exploring the Wars of the Languedoc.
  • Chronicled lives of fictional and real characters amidst the conflict between Cathars and Catholic forces.
  • Published books as Kindle editions and in print format.

Mountain Leader

Selfridges & Co
Coniston, Cumbria
11.2009 - Current
  • Trained as a Mountain Leader and Mountain First Aider.
  • Executed an overnight exercise in atrocious mountaineering conditions, demonstrating adaptability and endurance.
  • Completed a week of demanding hill-climbing and navigation exercises, fostering resilience and teamwork.
  • Engaged in training sessions to enhance mountaineering skills, contributing to overall team competency.

Child-carer

Family Action
Wigton, Cumbria
06.2007 - 06.2020
  • Engaged the baby through play and conversation to foster development and bonding.
  • Prepared nutritious meals and maintained cleanliness in the home to ensure a safe environment.
  • Maintained a five-bedroom house.
  • Assisted wife with operations of chiropractic business, enhancing family support and workflow.
  • Left work as a news editor and TV reporter/producer to assume prime child-rearing duties for my three-month-old son.

Builder

Self
Wigton, Cumbria
04.2010 - 06.2017
  • Constructed two-storey rear extension, adding a new bedroom and sitting room for family needs.
  • Built double garage to increase property functionality and storage.
  • Researched and applied building techniques to enhance construction skills.

News Editor/Reporter/Producer

ITV Border
Carlisle, Cumbria
07.2000 - 06.2007
  • Oversaw daily newsroom operations as News Editor, coordinating teams of reporters and camera operators in the field.
  • Reported on breaking news and produced bulletins while later serving as news editor for Border TV.
  • Conducted daily news reporting across Cumbria, South of Scotland, and Dumfries and Galloway, ensuring timely and accurate coverage.

Chief Sub-Editor

North West Evening Mail
Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria
10.1991 - 07.2000
  • Led team of ten professionals in sub-editing reporters' copy, enhancing clarity and accuracy of published content.
  • Collaborated daily with senior newsroom team to prioritise main stories, influencing editorial focus and reader engagement.
  • Managed production of three daily editions of local evening newspaper, ensuring timely delivery and quality standards.
  • Created visually appealing layouts for newspaper pages to enhance reader engagement.

Defence/War Correspondent

The News, Portsmouth
Portsmouth
06.1990 - 11.1991
  • Reported from Royal Navy destroyers in Gulf during First Gulf War, delivering critical updates on military operations and strategies.
  • Covered home port of Royal Navy, its bases, training centres, vessels, and defence industry, providing in-depth analysis and insights.
  • Engaged with senior officers of Services and government ministers at receptions, fostering relationships to enhance journalistic access and credibility.

Education

Master of Arts - Law

University of Central Lancashire
Preston
01-1998

Bachelor of Arts - English/History/Philosophy

Manchester Polytechnic
Manchester
01-1983

Advanced Motorcycling

Institute of Advanced Motorists
Carlisle

Interests

  • I have been a lifelong cornet/trumpet player
  • I played for my regional rugby team and have player and followed rugby ever since
  • I love the mountains and have been climbing them for 55 years
  • Motorcycling and basic mechanics

Timeline

Author

Self
01.2011 - Current

Builder

Self
04.2010 - 06.2017

Mountain Leader

Selfridges & Co
11.2009 - Current

Child-carer

Family Action
06.2007 - 06.2020

News Editor/Reporter/Producer

ITV Border
07.2000 - 06.2007

Chief Sub-Editor

North West Evening Mail
10.1991 - 07.2000

Defence/War Correspondent

The News, Portsmouth
06.1990 - 11.1991

Master of Arts - Law

University of Central Lancashire

Bachelor of Arts - English/History/Philosophy

Manchester Polytechnic

Advanced Motorcycling

Institute of Advanced Motorists
David Cragg