 Simpson has been actively involved in several organisations outside formal politics, holding the positions of vice-president of the Heritage Railway Association; the presidency of the Warrington, Halton and St. Helens branch of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals; a life governorship of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and the presidency of Golborne Cricket Club.His love of history is reflected in his considerable knowledge of military history, but in particular the American Civil War, where that knowledge is considered to be extensive.In 2010 the State of Kentucky in the US made him an honorary colonel.