I was born in Stalham, Norfolk in 1959 moving around the county of Norfolk going to various schools. On reaching the age of 11 I had the dubious honour of going to Thorpe Grammar School where I stayed right through to the bitter end in 1977 when I left the sixth form.

During the years I gained various ‘O’ Levels two were Commerce and Computing. The two subjects were described as ‘rather unorthodox’ when wanting to apply for the sixth form. As it turn out we all use computers these days, so not so orthodox!! after all and use of business practice was invaluable.  

this cupboard was tgs's first computer room

The school policy was one of going to University, even the ‘Careers’ lessons we geared up for further education. This provoked much controversy with teachers when this fact was questioned.

At last on leaving school I went on to work for a local haulage company but after 3 years it became clear that a change of direction was required, so it was off to City College to pass an HND in Computer Studies which lead to a career working with computers.  I even passed a degree in 2000 so I now have a degree (see quotes).

Over the years I have also been seen restoring and driving old buses, attending the Norwich Beer festival, getting married, having children and whatever next……

Lads History

When starting at Thorpe Grammar I was re-united with Terry Starling (now known in DJ circles as Terry S) who I had known at St Williams Way Primary, this was the early beginning of ‘The lads’ as they later became known. Over the coming years a number of local boys became mates, Graham Phillips, Paul Brister, John Hawkes, David Whitehead, Ian Taylor, Mark Grayling among others. Later in the evolution the group was joined by two outsiders, Tim Page (from Luton) and Dave Frankland (up North via London).

On leaving school the lads kept in touch and still regularly meet ever 3 months of a Captains of Industry lunch and general ‘lets put the world to rights'

Phrases

Over the years a number of  quotes can be singled out and kept for eternity. Here are just a few.

‘How many f*****g degrees have you got’   Terry Starling

‘The funny thing was it was in the other pocket’  John Hawkes

‘Dixon’s a c***!!!!!’  John Hawkes

‘I’ve got a dog with a coat like that’  Richard Dixon.