There is something quintessentially British about the idea of a madcap inventor coming up with ideas in a shed at the bottom of the garden. My stepfather, Douglas Buchanan, was a real-life designer and inventor who lived and worked in Shropshire. During his career, he worked hard, won awards at inventors shows, had more patents granted in his name than most other individuals in the UK, but still never really made any money. Before he died, he gave me permission to write about his many ideas and the stories around them. There’s lots to tell, including about golf clubs, knife proof armour, dog boots, Bernie Ecclestone, the Queen, Esther Rantzen, Princess Diana, bankruptcy and, yes, an underwater bike. Here’s the man himself:
Follow the blog to join me as I trace the story of one man and his inventions, or support the book project to get Douglas’s story published: https://unbound.com/books/underwater-bike.
The Underwater Bike and Other Stories 
This is such a great blog! I only met Douglas a few times, through my Mum who is a good friend of Pat’s, but I always thought he was wonderful and so funny too! I wish I’d have know more about his inventions before he died, as I would have loved to ask him about them. I’m looking forward to new blog posts! x
Thanks so much for this! Douglas had such an interesting life, and wonderful mind, and the whole point of this blog and the book that is on its way is to share his story. Please do tell everyone you know to support the book project and let’s get that story into the world! https://unbound.com/books/underwater-bike
Hi!
Is this book still available anywhere online? I’d love to get hold of a copy for a friend of mine who was also good friends with Douglas.
Thank you!
I’m afraid not, the project was put on hold when life got in the way (further bereavements and health issues). However, thank you for asking, because it will encourage me to dig it out and have another look at it.
No worries!
Sorry to hear about the troubles that forced you to put this on hold. If you ever start the project up again please let me know, I’d love to have a read through it 🙂