Ian and his family moved into Houghton in 1987, and his two children progressed through Houghton School, to Gartree and Beauchamp. During the early years Ian served as chair of the PTA and a governor of the school. He was also an active member of St John Ambulance Leicestershire, and used his First Aid instructor qualifications for the local scouts, both boys and leaders. His sporting interests are in sailing, being a member of Rutland Sailing Club from 1978 to the present. Professionally he is a geophysicist, though now retired from Leicester University.
In 2011 Ian became Chair of the Village Hall trustees, largely because no one else wanted to do it, and has led a continuing programme of refurbishment and upgrading of the facilities. The process of developing the Village Hall to suit the community's needs led to an interest in the Neighbourhood Planning initiative promoted by the Parish Council. Ian became chair of the Neighbourhood Planning Working Party of the Parish Council, again because no one else wanted to do it. In March 2015 it became apparent that there would be few people willing to stand for the Parish Council elections in May. Ian therefore offered to stand, to try to ensure that the PC did not become inquorate, and hence also stall the Neighbourhood Planning activity. Ian is the Planning representative and represents the Parish Council on the Special Development Area - Consultation Group. As Chairman he sits on the Personnel Standing Committee and assists with the annual checking of Parish Council assets.