Featured Member | Network York

Welcome to our “Featured Members Page”. Every month we will take a much closer look at one of our members and try to find out a little more about them and what “floats their boat”!

First up is a man who was one of the inspirations for the creation of Network York. He is Michael Menzies-Baird.
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Michael or “Mingus” as he likes to be called, is a practicing solicitor and a consultant with one of Yorkshire’s leading law firms, Coles Solicitors. He specialises in many areas of practice but his earlier life shows why he just might be the man to have in your corner!

For 14 years he was a serving soldier in the Royal Engineers with the specialist trade of bomb disposal. Yes, the man with the loneliest job in the world who takes his life in his hands every day he goes to work! We asked him about it:

“I served in the Falklands Islands, Belize, Kenya, Cyprus, Germany and a few other places from my main location in the UK.
I was a PT, Drill, Weapons, NBC, Aikido, first aid and map reading instructor to name but a few of my specialities. I was also an expedition leader, canoeing and climbing / abseil instructor to name some of the physical sports I enjoyed.”
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Then it got a little more glamorous:

“Whilst I was a serving soldier I was seconded to provide private security to the stars that attended Wembley Arena or Stadium on a part time basis which allowed me to be at the side of some very famous stars.”

Life is a lot different now. As a law practitioner he has some firm views on his role: “Whatever legal issue you have it's vital to get the right expert advice. You need to know your entitlements and be sure that you're not wasting valuable time and money. Our speciality is in offering genuinely honest advice. Sometimes such advice might not be what you want to hear but we will always endeavour to provide a unique, personal service which is an honest response to your requirements and ensure you receive the individual specialist treatment you deserve.”

When he is not doing his legal work he has been happily married to Suzane for 30 years they have two children and are the proud grandparents of Rose and Morgan.
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They both love reggae music and live music especially UB40 and are often to be seen at their concerts. Travel and keeping fit are also high on their favourites list as is soccer. Hull City and Celtic Football Clubs are the clubs he supports even to the point of being the Hull City supporters Club’s solicitor.

A large part of his spare time is spent with his favourite charity SSAFA - The Armed Forces Charity. SSAFA helps active military from all of the Armed forces, their family and children when they fall on tough times we come along and try and give them support by offering them a personal caseworker to assist. He is also the chair of the East Yorkshire branch and the North East Regional Representative supporting all the branches throughout the area.

Now that you have read all about Mingus why not listen to a recent radio programme where he was interviewed about the work he does and his life in general.

You will get the true flavour of one of our great members.

Just click here to tune into Minster Radio.