It's been a long old journey.

Never in my wildest dreams did I expect to still be working at the Oxford Mail in 2012 when I first walked into Newspaper House in Oxford’s New Inn Hall Street on March 3, 1952.

It’s been an unforgettable experience and I feel honoured to be sharing a milestone with her Majesty the Queen this year!

When I joined the Mail, it was produced by compositors using hot metal and put out no fewer than five times a days.

The presses often stopped to include the latest news and racing results.

Although I started off in the circulation department, I always had an affinity with the sports desk and sports editor Arthur Roche, his deputy Reg Smith and former BBC Grandstand producer Martin Hopkins.

Oxford United fanatic Jim Rosenthal and former ITV World of Sport’s Michael Archer were there too, and I played alongside them for the Mail on the cricket and football fields.

I even did some racing tips for the paper in the 70’s and hardly missed a match at the Manor, bringing the film back to ensure the pictures were included in the much-missed Saturday sports paper, the Green ‘Un.

I suppose the start of my journalistic career began when I was appointed press officer for the Oxford Sunday Football League in 1966. That led to me writing a column in the Green ‘Un under the pseudonym, Cleric.

In 1974, I got the chance to take over the coverage of greyhound racing, under the by-line Cerberus, but even then I never thought I would become a full-time journalist.

Six years later, the then sports editor, Bernard Conolly, asked me if I was interested in joining the sports desk full-time.

It was a big move and I took my time over the decision, but in the end I went for it and have never looked back.

What provincial journalist these days can boast of three trips to Italy with Oxford City, one alongside the late Bobby Moore and soon-to-be England manager Harry Redknapp?

Talking of Harry, I remember him being a bit short of cash on tour one day and asking me to lend him £20, which I did. I think I got it back – he can certainly afford to now!

There was also an unforgettable night in Poland when Hans Nielsen won his first World speedway title, further assignments to Holland, Germany (twice), Denmark and America, not to mention working at some iconic UK stadia, including Lord’s, Twickenham and Wembley.

I’d like to think it wasn’t bad for an Osney boy who failed his 11-plus.

In 1995, I took the decision to go freelance, concentrating mainly on photography, while still covering speedway and the greyhounds.

All in all, it’s been quite a journey and one I wouldn’t have missed for anything. So thanks are due to Bernard and my wife, Margaret, who has given me unstinting support throughout.

At 75, I’m slowing down now (on purpose, I might add), although I have two allotments to keep me busy, but it will be the dogs as usual again next week. See you there!