I was introduced to the work of L. Ron Hubbard in 1952 when his book Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health was first published in Britain. The book made an immediate impression on me, expressing as it did some very new ideas for those post-war years, particularly regarding the factors of past periods of pain and unconsciousness and how they affect a person later in life. It struck in me a particular note of reality, understanding and acceptance. Also, and importantly, it conveyed a bright new hope about life and the future. Looking back, I can say that I gained a boost of hope for new possibilities simply from reading that book. This was indeed my first gain from the subject - bigger and more significant in retrospect because it proved to be also my first step on the momentous journey of discovery charted all the way by Ron himself.

     In 1953 my wife and I started a small group in our own home, using exercises from the Self Analysis handbook. In due course we expanded and changed our meeting place to the town centre, where the group became the Sheffield Scientology Group ad operated as a truly working group until 1959, doing communication courses and auditing (auditing is Scientology spiritual counseling, unlike any other kind of counseling. The purpose of auditing is to increase a persons ability, put him at cause over life instead of at effect and help him rid himself of the barriers which have held him back in life.) As an auditor I found it very rewarding to help and see others achieve these gains.

     Also in 1953, at Birmingham, England, I saw and heard L. Ron Hubbard for the first time when he gave an inspiring lecture, from which I gained a complete confirmation of the truth and practicality of the man and his work. Later I found these values were present in all his lectures, with the plus that he inspired in others a sense of get-up-and-go and a desire to win. I count myself most fortunate to have experienced these qualities directly. It was during this early period that I rediscovered my own immense and personal individuality and creativity as a result of using the techniques in the book Self Analysis, a remarkable book still in flourishing use today. in the long and testing years since that time, the truth and workability of Scientology have become more and more evident to me.

     New gains, understandings and abilities have continued, gained through many aspects of Scientology: reading, study, training, counseling (auditing) and counseling others, whilst at all times seeking to apply the gains to life situations such as my own life, my marriage, my family relationships, my professional career and working life.

     For all the many gains and the betterment of my life over a long period I am forever grateful; to L. Ron Hubbard, a being whose life's work places him somewhere way above genius. In his introduction to Self Analysis L. Ron Hubbard ends with this memorable encouragement: "May you never be the same again -"

     And that is how it has been for me, all along the way. Thank you Ron for having made possible this great and vital journey of discovery and reward.