John Turner says he’s horrified to acknowledge that he’s over 50. He is single, lives in Douglas and is happily child free. He has worked as a reporter at Isle of Man Newspapers for almost 12 years, having previously been a teacher in Hyde, in Greater Manchester and a reporter on a newspaper in Devon. His job at the paper is as a general reporter which can cover anything from court stories, local council and commissioners’ matters, to inquests, Tynwald proceedings and a whole variety of miscellaneous items that the general public may contact him about.
What is your idea of a perfect meal? I’m more interested in quantity and (as a Yorkshireman) value for money than in quality but Chinese food is good, or a curry after a few pints.
What is your favourite way to relax? A few pints with friends in the pub, or a ride out on my motorbike on a dry sunny day - those are generally separate, of course.
What is your greatest extravagance? I have quite a lot of clocks, but that is overshadowed by the motorbikes: at the last count I think it was nine. I have a bad habit of buying but not selling.
Do you have any pets? I have a dog. It makes life very complicated at times as well as being inconvenient, but the pleasure does far outweigh that.
What is your greatest achievement? As a serial non-achiever, that’s a difficult question. Passing my motorbike test gave my a lot of pleasure and competing eight times in the Manx Grand Prix was a thrilling thing to do.
My best lap was just over 101mph (on a 400cc bike). It may not sound much but as a very mediocre rider it delighted me.
What is your favourite time of the year? Definitely spring with a promise of good weather (possibly) and the TT approaching.
What was your first job? I was a motorcycle courier for three years after university. Good fun apart from periods of cold wet weather when your gear never fully dries out before you have to put it on again. The pay was poor too, a bit like being a reporter.
Do you have any irrational fears? I think all my fears are entirely rational, but I’m revolted by slugs, after living in a student house where they used to invade the kitchen every night.
What is your worst habit? There are so many to choose from it’s difficult to pick one. Prevaricating: never do today what can be put off until tomorrow; and not taking things seriously.
What is your favourite band/artist at the moment? I don’t listen much to popular music so it’s hard to say. Am I allowed to say Beethoven?
If time/money were no object, what would be your perfect day? With friends sitting outside a bar chatting in the sunshine, probably in France.
What is your favourite book? That tends to change, but currently, John O’Farrell’s Things Can Only Get Better, very funny indeed; and Richard Dawkin’s The God Delusion.
Choose three people, dead or alive, to invite to dinner. John Finnemore is currently hilarious on Radio 4; absurdist playwright NF Simpson would be entertaining; and either my deceased mum or deceased dad as it would be quite nice to see them again.
Which do you prefer:
Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings? I hate both with a passion
Cats or dogs? Definitely dogs
Birthday or Christmas? Birthday
Starter or pudding? Starter
Quiet night in or night out? Night out.