Who is Harvey?

Harvey Bowden was born on Trelawne Farm near Looe in Cornwall. Not a major event in the history of mankind but a bit of a surprise for his parents as he was unexpected. Legend has it that his mother Joan still had her riding boots on during conception.

Attended Looe Primary School and ate a lot of pasties.

Continued his modest education whilst eating pasties at Looe County Secondary School. He cuddunt reed or rite proppur, because he was mildly dyslexic, but is eternally grateful to John Grimer, the English Teacher, who taught him that if you can‘t write stand up and talk! (Which he has been doing ever since).

Aged 14. Left school and started work as an apprentice electrician.

At the invitation of Bill Pope, a holiday maker in Looe, he left to join the Marsham Tyre Company Ltd as a tyre fitter. Bill Pope became Harvey's mentor and by the age of 20 Harvey was running MeritTyre Ltd.

Met his wife Ann and decided she was far more entertaining than selling tyres.

Took an apprenticeship in plumbing and then undertook central heating installations as a sub contractor to British Gas during the central heating installation boom during the 70's. Worked hard and earned a lot of money.

Ann bought a water softener.

Harvey decided to sell water softeners rather than continue with central heating installations.

Became the biggest ever Permutit water softener seller, installer and dealer. Developed a new method of installing water softeners using flexible hose.

Developed and launched the Kinetico twin cylinder non electric under sink water softener. Became the largest and most successful water softener company in the UK and instigated the development of the market.

Took the MENSA intelligence test and passed. Became a member of MENSA, now lapsed. (Yes, it surprised me too!).

Invented block salt and the Kinetico Block Salt Softener.

Invented his own water softener, designed and manufactured in the UK.

Built a new factory at Hipley Street, Old Woking. Grand Opening of Castle Works

Aged 61 and still feeling great today!

Still happily married to my wife, Ann. Still play with my 3 sons. Still actively engaged with my 48 blood relatives (Mum and Dad were very busy).

I currently race around on a Firebird called Orion. You can read all about the exploits and watch some videos here: www.harveybowden.com

Occasional target shooter, having once done a 'possible'. Currently play with cannons - see photos here.

Grew up on a Vincent Rapide and currently ride around on a Honda Goldwing.

Currently ride around in a NordWest towing the Firebird Orion to regattas.

Have been a devotee ever since I heard my father playing the Beethoven Sonatas. Currently have a huge collection crammed onto an iPod. Once learned to play the piano and got to Grade 5 but gave that up many years ago.

Still keep at it. Once went bare-footing. Once was enough! See photo here.

I have a slide collection dating back to when I was 16 years old, all now digitised. Family slide shows are a regular occurrence.

I have almost as many video films. You can see some Firebird Orion capsize recovery films here. Firebird Orion