If you asked me what were the defining moments or events in my own life, I would come up with the following:
- Meeting Jenny when my life was somewhat stalled. We've achieved so many things together and had such amazing experiences.
- My first English teacher, John Fraser, who gave me a love of the English language and linguistic skills that were a lasting asset job-wise.
- My school friend David who gave me a copy of the Communist Manifesto and prompted a life-long belief in socialism and an egalitarian society.
- My first bookshop job and the immediate feeling that this was something I could enjoy doing for many years. Which I did.
- Buying our present house. For a long time we assumed we could never afford a house, but circumstances conspired to make it possible. This is our second house and it ticks all the boxes!
- My first trip to Australia. It was extraordinary landing in Hobart and being on the other side of the world in such a spectacular country.
- Moving from my cold and spartan bedsit in Abbey Road, London, my home for 6½ years, to a slightly better bedsit.
- Moving from London to Belfast. We both liked Northern Ireland and decided to take a massive gamble, ditch our existing jobs and move there. It's been a big success and we've never regretted our decision.
- Hearing that my tiny trace of prostate cancer had vanished of its own accord.
- Retiring from paid employment 2½ years ago after 53 years of working. I don't miss work and I'm having a great time.
