1984
Just before the final exams in the summer of 1984 we had interviews in what was called the “milk round”. Basically different employers would interview us at the University and some selected few would be invited to the next round.

I made it to the “final 4” for a couple of companies, British Telecom and a microchip company in Plymouth. I was unsuccessful in both.

I graduated with a degree in Physics from the University of Surrey but had no job to go to…

In the summer of 1984, having graduated from Surrey University with a Physics degreeI was contemplating the future, still living at Newbury Avenue.

Out of the blue I received a letter from the Headmaster of a secondary school in Chislehurst, SE London, but in the county of Kent. The letter was asking me to consider a job teaching Physics. As I had no other possible jobs I took up the offer and found a tiny bedsit in Beckenham so I can be within driving distance of the school; Coopers.

I soon realised that the salary which they offered me, as a probationary teacher would have been no better than remaining without a job (after paying rent and travelling costs) so after a chat with the Headmastsr they offered me an improved pay scale, while still a probationary teacher.

Then came an additional issue in that, unbeknown to the School, all graduates now had to do a PGCE, even in the maths and science subjects. Apparently up until that year physics graduates could go straight into teaching.

As I had already started teaching, the only alternative for me was to attend seminars and meetings and have an extended probationary period of two years.

Teaching was actually fun and I also got involved with the sports side of the school, coaching football and basketball in afterschool clubs.

I also enjoyed going to school events. The above photo from a fancy dress party at the school.

1985

1986

28 Jan

I was at a private tuition lesson (near Orpington I think) when the news came on the tv about the Challenger disaster.

1987

15/16 October 1987

Woke up late because the electric alarm radio clock didn’t work. There was no electricity. Rushed to get up only to realise something major happened overnight but I slept right through it! A massive storm brought down power lines and many trees. The streets were blocked an a tree narrowly missed my car in Cedars Avenue. Made it to the school, eventually…

18 November 1987

While on the evening course at Mountview Theatre school, there was a fire at Kings Cross station and the Underground was brought to a standstill.

1988

March 88

With the “Mesologgitisses” show we did a show in central London and then went to the NEC Arena in Birmingham. On the coach trip on the way back I sat next to Katerina and we had a lovely long chat…

April 88

Handed in my notice at the school without a job to go to. Decided to take a term off and try something different. Selling medical insurance, selling adverts for London ‘88 and doing radio shows!