Position: Trustee
Geoff left Gilesgate Secondary Modern School in 1966 and started his working life as an Apprentice Plumber that same year for Frederick Dennison Ltd 26, Crossgate Durham, completing his 5 year apprenticeship in 1971.
In 1972 Geoff started working as a site Foreman for G M Bilclough in North Shields and Middlesbrough, returning to Dennison’s in 1976 to 1987.
He started his own Plumbing, Heating and Lead Specialist Roof work business in 1987, retiring at the age of 60 in 2012, having worked on many prestigious buildings such as Durham Cathedral, Durham Castle, and many Churches & Stately homes in Durham County & beyond. Even once being invited to work at 10, Downing Street when the Blair's were in residence.
Geoff has had a lifelong interest and involvement with local football, from School football to Youth Clubs and including Sunday League Football until 1987 retiring at the age of 36. He and his family are lifelong supporters of Sunderland AFC.
His main passion has always been photography from being about 8yrs old, when his father returned from working in India and gave him his first camera. From darkroom printing, right through to present day digital he still loves the challenge of photography. He was made the official Freemen photographer in 2015.
Geoff became a Freeman on 11th November 2002 and is passionate about raising the profile of the Freemen in the city and beyond. Other family members who are also Freemen are - Sheila Kitson (wife), Leighton Kitson (Son), Alison McDonough (Daughter) Adam McDonough (Son in Law), Stephen Kitson (brother), Melvin Wortley (Brother in Law) and Katherine Wortley (Niece).