I'm John Welford, a freelance proofreader and indexer, part-time librarian, and also sub-channel steward for the English Language section of the Languages sub-channel (which can be found under Arts and Humanities).

I've spent most of my working life dealing with other people's writings rather than my own. In 1976 I qualified as a professional librarian, and for 26 years I helped students and others find their way to the information they needed. I still do, on a part-time basis - one evening a week.

In 2002 my then employer decided that libraries and librarians were an unnecessary luxury in the era of the Internet, and I found myself out of a job. Fortunately, my wife earned enough to keep the whole family in food and shelter, so I was at liberty to do my own thing. I had tried my hand at proofreading while still a librarian, and I was also skilled at classification, which is a form of indexing, so I set myself up as "Welford Writes", offering proofreading, editing and indexing services.

I soon found that the best customers for my proofreading talents were students from overseas who were studying at UK universities. They needed help with their written English, and they could afford to pay somebody to provide that help. Some of my customers have stayed with me after going back home, and I continue to sort out the English of their articles and papers. I have learned an awful lot of stuff on a huge variety of subjects as a result!

I have also compiled a number of indexes, not only to books but also to runs of journals. I have recently completed two such indexes, for journals devoted to Charles Dickens and Jane Austen.

But I also like to write for myself. I have written a number of articles for librarianship journals, as well as book reviews, and I have also tried my hand at creative writing. I have completed a children's novel, although I have not yet dared to seek a publisher for it, and I sometimes produce the odd short story - odd in more ways than one!

I intend to carry on in much the same way in future - both writing original material and editing, proofreading and indexing the work of others. I like the variety of the challenges and will have a go at most things!

As a sub-channel steward, my electronic door is always open (via "contact this writer") to anyone who has questions or problems to do with articles on English Language. I intend to develop this section over the coming months, and would welcome contributions from writers from all countries. Whether you have spoken English all your life, or are currently learning it, your insights are always welcome on Helium, so get writing!

My passion is ...

Bowls

I know too much about ...

Nothing - I know far too little about almost everything!

My parents always told me ...

No they didn't! They were far too sensible to "always" do or say anything.

My childhood ambition ...

I didn't have one, and still don't!

My favorite memory ...

Childhood holidays

Why I write ...

I enjoy it - what better reason could there be?

What I am reading/watching/listening to ...

"The interesting bits: the history you might have missed" by Justin Pollard

My first job ...

Temporary postman - for a week before Christmas when still at school

Food & Drink > Dairy Products & Eggs What is your favorite cheese?

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For me, there is no cheese that beats Stilton. This is an English blue-veined cheese that has a very distinctive flavor and is therefore an acquired taste. It is a cheese that you either love or loathe! Fortunately, my wife is in the latter category, so there is no competition for the Stilton in our household!

The village of Stilton is on the old Great North Road near Peterborough (which these days is in the county of Cambridgeshire). However, the cheese was never made there, and is only associated with the village because of a mention in an 18th century book by Daniel Defoe, who sample...

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