I was born in Cawston in 1949; to be
more exact in one of the old brick houses that once stood next to the
Ratcatcher’s Inn at Eastgate.
At Cawston Primary School (1954-60) I
was an average pupil. At my next school, Reepham Secondary School, now a High
School, my biggest achievement was to win the first prize for secondary essays
sponsored by the “Broke Bond National Travel Scholarships and Educational
Awards’ in 1964. At the Technical College n King’s Lynn (1964-68) I passed
several “O” and “A” level examinations. A higher qualification in the German
language led me to this country for six months in 1969 and then permanently
since March 1972.
After gaining a few years of commercial
and practical experience with two German companies, I became
an employee of the Australian Government at their embassy in Bonn in 1979. The
20 years there gave me an insight into governmental issues, administrative
procedures, economics and financial issues, the issuing of passports and
attending to consular matters.
Following the unification of Germany the
Australian Embassy relocated to Berlin in 1999. As I was not keen on this idea
I remained in Bonn and found an alternative job with an international
organisation.
Having lived in Bonn for more than half
of my life I have seen this city change from the former capital to a modern city
with high profile organisations and agencies. My flat is situated opposite to
the Siebengebirge (Seven Mountains) where William Turner once spent hours
painting the landscape. I enjoy cycling, walking, travelling reading and
cooking.
an employee of the Australian Government at their embassy in Bonn in 1979. The
20 years there gave me an insight into governmental issues, administrative
procedures, economics and financial issues, the issuing of passports and
attending to consular matters.
