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The 
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Reunion 2005
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The GuysI have always been reluctant to do something like this. First off, I do not want to alienate anybody by insulting or misrepresenting them. Secondly, I was not really ‘in’ with any crowd, and therefore I didn’t really participate in much of the general shenanigans. This however does mean that I can only write about people in an objective manner and of my own personal experiences with them. Therefore there may be paragraphs of stuff on one guy and only a couple of sentences for another. It really depends on how well I knew them. I have also decided that it would be prudent only to write about those people in Block 2. Anyone I wrote about in block 1 would be from second hand information or worse – rumour! Jock Wallace has created a most excellent website which contains the low-down on the guys in Block 1. I hope everyone is comfortable with the stuff written below, as I have said these are my memories of other people and I promise that I will keep it printable and not cause embarrassment. However, if something does offend then let me know and I will remove it ASAP.
Lee ShireCame from Barry in Wales. I don’t recall Lee ever passing an exam while at KCFE. Initially, he seemed to come across as genuine enough in his wish to become a Commissioning Engineer but was obviously never going to make the grade. I don’t think it was because he was educationally not up to it- the guy had six ‘O’ Levels (one of which was Welsh Language!) He told me once that he’d originally want to go to Agricultural College, no doubt to study his favourite plant – the leaves and by-products of which he used to enjoy smoking! Was ejected off the course at the end of second year. Paul StockHailed from Elland – just outside Halifax. Was nicknamed Stocky – which also suited his physique. Stocky was responsible for taking me to see my first Football match. (Portsmouth Vs Huddersfield Town – Score 2-1) and I haven’t been to one since. In the pub, Stocky was very agreeable company never forgetting to put his hand in his pocket when it was his round. I shared digs with him on a number of occasions. As I recall Stocky was the first guy to openly fall asleep in Ron Church’s class! Where we would all try and look attentive, Stocky would lie sprawled out on the desk at the front of the Class – Happily pushing out ZZZZZ’s. This lack of attention didn’t seem to affect his ability to pass exams though. 19 years on Stocky is still working for GEC although they are now called Marconi, Is tied up with a S.E Asian Lass, and works mainly overseas. Brendan SullivanNoted for his excellent driving ability by all except the insurance companies HA HA HA- Just kidding Bren! In 1st year had managed to pass his driving test and never looked back – literally! Bren’s driving had 2 speed’s- foot to the floor and (occasionally) stop. Was in his element when racing round the Kingston one way system with Glen Phillips and anyone else who was brave/stupid enough to take him on. Initially Bren had a beetle. Noted for their sturdiness, this was an apt car for Bren, as he tended to use it as you would a dodgem car. Accidents were frequent but the Beetle seemed to take the punishment. Later on Bren progressed to a Triumph GT6. I thought it was like giving an idiot a loaded gun at the time, but fair play to Bren, I don’t recall him ever having an accident in that car. Aside from the driving Bren used to enjoy a good social life with the other lads. His wit could be acid from time to time, but even at his worst, it was hard to hold a grudge against him – he was just too likeable! Of all the guys in Block 2, I reckon he was the clown. Bren’s luck was also legendary; he seemed to get away with murder, the most notable incident being the Monday afternoon himself, Lee and Paspa cut college to go for a drink. It was then suggested that they ‘go for a burn’ but this time with Bren as a passenger (it was Lee’s car) which sad to say, ended in a pretty bad accident. Bren and the others left the scene pronto and Lee took the rap. Later on we got back from College to find Bren crashed out on his Bed. When he woke he told us all the bad news. Bren was sure that he was going to get fired, but come the next visit from Mark George, He (and the others) got off on a caution. Bren now enjoys considerable success as a company president. Living in the States. I would love to know what he drives now, and I would bet my shirt it wouldn’t be a family saloon! Steve WilliamsBefore I start this, I have to say that I really took nothing to do with Steve up until 3rd year. We all know about the Ketchup Incident, which was the reason why Steve ended up in Block 2. So what is written is pertinent to that time. Steve was all right. He tended to shoot from the hip i.e. engaging his mouth before his brain. But we could all be accused of that at some point. He could be a real liability when drunk, I always tried to avoid him when he was pissed. (But then again who am I to comment!) He was quite a clever bloke; easily coping with exams and coursework and on a couple of occasions could explain stuff to you that would penetrate. Was also quite a ladies man, I showed some college photos to my father a while back. When he saw Steve’s picture he called him a ‘Canteen Cowboy’ and ‘Stacks Rating’ (Navy speak for a guy that makes the best of his appearance and doesn’t go short of a shag respectively) I think Steve was a bit self conscious about his height and build. He once told me that he was six foot, I told him that that was impossible, as I was only 5’ 7” so if he was 6’ then I was a giant. It was probably something like this that got him the title ‘Big Butch Batey Boy' Steve was last seen by Mike Tierney a couple of years ago. He was at the time working in sales for Siemens.
Graeme LongmuirGraeme never had an official nickname at college. Sometimes Russell McGregor would refer to him as ‘The Brat’ because the so mature Russ considered him childish in his ways. To me, I will always picture Graeme and Russ on the train to Glasgow ‘shooting the breeze’ and fighting (more the latter than the former) Russ would always get Graeme going with something. At which point Graeme’s voice would go into a semi shout/scream (as in WHATISAHT if you remember) I remember one occasion on the train to Glasgow. Russ was obviously getting bored and thought it was time for a little entertainment at Graeme’s expense. Russ mentioned something about Lynn (Graeme’s then girlfriend and now wife) about her being so young that Graeme would have to pick her up from Primary school! Graeme’s control of his temper on this occasion had to be applauded. He merely replied to Russ that he was ‘cruising for a bruising’ (a favourite saying of Graeme’s at the time) Russ said to him that anyone who resorted to violence always lost the argument. Graeme with an even-tempered voice said “ok then, I’m just about to loose my argument” after which Russ began to suffer dead arms/legs and big red marks where Graeme had nipped him! Despite all that, the two of them always shared rooms and knocked around together, I think secretly they were really good pals! Graeme still lives in Airdrie with his wife Lynn and two children. He was last seen in Glasgow getting drunk with Russ and myself. And I’m glad to say that he and Russ managed to control themselves! Russell McGregorBefore I start, this was written with my tongue firmly pressed against my cheek… Russ was one of the first guys I met at Kingston. He and I spent the first 4 months of the first year sharing the Top Room in Mrs C’s. Russ could irritate me in so many ways; (And still does as he never answers his emails) I’m still convinced to this day that he could start an argument in an empty room. It was bad enough that he wound Graeme up, (Mildly irritating but more often entertaining), he was nearly always right! (Irritating to the point of intolerance) He used to get 100% in exams with the most boring regularity (even more irritating). But what really irritated me was the fact that my father thought he was a ’clean-cut young man’ I think at the time my old man was having a dig at me for then combat jacket and tight jeans. One evening he went on about Russ for so long that in exasperation, I told him to shut up! – The first time I’d really stood up to the old man, so I really ought to thank Russ for that. In fairness it was only me that felt this way on occasion about Russ. He proved to be a very popular guy on the course. Russ also liked the finer things in life. He wouldn’t put up with anything sub-standard. Whenever he bought something, you could guarantee that it was the best value for money. Just after we’d finished at Kingston in 1984, both of us had been transferred to Glenrothes. We had found this little hotel in Kirkaldy, which was well within our budget. I think a week or two after I announced that I was leaving as I’d found a family that was renting a room. Russ said that he was going to stay in a hotel in Glenrothes. I later found out that he was paying more per night than we received in lodging allowance! Russell now lives in Bishopton, near Glasgow with his wife and two Daughters. Was last seen by myself 2 months ago when he came to visit. Upon arriving at my house he remarked upon the fact that the lawn needed cut – which irritated me! Mark AndrewsMark (or Paspa as he is better known) joined in 3rd year from a similar scheme in Northern Ireland. Will always be associated with the ‘Devil’s Buttermilk’ as he called it. Which is a shame because there was more to him than just that. You would also see Paspa with his nose in a book, studying conciensiously, or watching sport on the TV. Sad to say that my own memories shall forever be misted over due to partaking of excessive amounts of alcohol (while trying to keep up with him) However, here’s one I can remember. I stopped over one weekend; there was only Paspa and myself so we decided to go into London on the Saturday. Started drinking at midday with a break from 3:30 to 5:30 in accordance with the licensing laws. Opening time dully arrived and we walked into this bar just off Piccadilly. It was empty; we looked at the selection of beers, pretty good I thought – they had Harp Paspa’s favourite and Tartan Special (Not Bitter) which was mine. “Good here eh Pas?” says I “I think we’ll just stop here” Paspa Agreed but I was beginning to think something was not quite right. Was looking around, people were coming in but not mixing in the usual way. A ½ hour later I went to the toilet and then I saw it – Gay Times! Did a 180 before I reached the toilet. By this time the place was filling up rapidly and I was busting for a waz, but there was no way I was going into that toilet. Informed Paspa of the good news. He didn’t stop to finish off his pint - just headed straight out the door! Paspa still lives in Ulster with his wife and children and is working for a local communications company. Michael TierneyMike and myself had two things in common. We both struggled through college, I think he would agree if I said that he (like myself) wasn’t a great academic. This was the reason why he was passed over for Staff at the end of 2nd year – quite unfairly may I add. Also both of us got into a disciplinary situation with Mark George for failing exams. The only difference being that I (with no thanks to my union) managed to win my case. Where Mike more than made up for this was on the practical side. I will always remember him programming on of the college computers to print out something like ‘QUACK, QUACK OOPS’ a gazillion times and then at the end it said ‘TEE HEE MUG, TEE HEE MUG, TEE HEE MUG FOR ME! (Mike was a big fan of Dave Lee Travis at the time - LOL). In general, I reckon his standard of workmanship exceeded anyone else’s in the class. Mike now lives just outside Kingston in Merton Park. He has never chosen to marry (wise man) and since being made redundant from Cable and Wireless has taken the brave step to work for himself. Girdeep SinghWhen Girdeep joined the rest of us at Kingston, he was quiet, well spoken honest young man with no vices, who was very much into his religion (Sihkism) Within 6 months we had managed to corrupt him in so many ways! However no matter how bad it got he always managed to keep a balance between his religion and social life (Unlike a certain Jehova’s Witness in Block 1!) Because he didn’t drink, on many a night out he would be designated driver, not that he was bothered, as he would insist on being recompensed handsomely. In fact the one thing that Girdeep was really good at was making money and not spending it. That’s not to say he was mean – far from it. The amount of times he put his hand in his pocket in pubs and resturants are countless and on occasion would even make me feel a little guilty. Girdeep at his best could sweat confidence, this tended to make him talk – absolute crap mainly. Once, while at Bristol training school, it was decided that we should run a Swear Box just for a bit of fun, one expletive costing 10p. Upon hearing this Gurdy immediately said that he would pay a £1 for every swear word, claiming that his mind could control his mouth. The absolute maximum we’d all previously agreed was £5 – Girdeep reached the threshold within 20 minutes! Girdeep now lives with his 2nd wife and 2 children in Stevenage, and is currently contracting on Nortel Equipment.
Ian Williamson Ian, or Rex as he was known. Joined the TTE Scheme in the wake of his older brother Dave. Both hailed from Lancaster and were proud of it. Rex sadly never made it to the end of the course (always looked tired - couldn't figure out why) but went onto greater things gaining a degree in a software related subject and doing consultancy work in Europe. Ian has recently moved back to Lancaster with his family though still works abroad.
Peter StylesCame from Milton Keynes before it became fashionable HA HA. Pete was pretty quiet guy all through college but got the fast car bug in 4th year. This took the form of a 3 Litre Ford Capri, which even then was considered a classic. Hence after he was known as ‘3 Litre Peter’. Peter was last seen at KCFE although he is contactable via email.
Alex ThurneyssenAlex’s claim to fame was that he was the first guy in our block show signs of baldness. And as a consequence suffered the comments of the rest of the class (Makes you wonder how many of us have hair left?) A quiet-living guy with a pleasant demeanour. Alex has not been seen since KCFE. Girdeep Singh reliably informs me that he may have moved to the Portsmouth area.
Steve ReaderToyah! Splodgenessabounds! Devo! and other entirely forgetable ‘music’! … Steve was a bit of a New-Wave freak when he joined at Kingston. Which was quite surprising as he was public school educated (must have been the Rebel thing to do - it could be the only reason for listening to that crap). My lasting memory of Steve will be the time we shared Digs in Norbiton. Our cooking facilities consisted of one small saucepan, Hot plate and tin opener. Which in the evening we used to heat anything that came out of a can and eat straight from the Saucepan! Minor arguments used to happen about whose turn it was to use the pan. Eventually we all just started eating sandwiches / carry out etc. Steve still lives in Norwich and until recently, worked for NTL as a Transmission Engineer.
Colin SteadmanBetter known to all as Wolfie – thanks to John Wallace and Mike Clarke! Being tall, Blonde of hair, and square of jaw got him his nickname. However that’s where the similarity’s ended between he and ‘the master race’. Wolfie was actually a really clean-living bloke, Tea Totaller and Keep-Fit Fanatic. Like a few of the other guys he got into cars in a big way and bought himself an MGB. In keeping with the theme he also purchased a flat cap. Needless to say everyone (But particularly Bren) picked up on this and slagged him rotten! Wolfie is another guy who has stuck with GEC/GPT/Marconi. He lives in Clacton with his wife and three children. Andy TaylorAndy was one of the first guys I met at Kingston. At first he always seemed a little quiet, and had no vices. He had hobbies like his RC Model car and various other electronic projects which left him open to a bit of scorn from the other guys. He looked younger than his 16 years, which was probably one of the reasons he didn’t go in for drinking. As he progressed through college he sort of started to take to do with the extra curriculum activities but again, nothing heavy. In summary Andy was a sensible guy. The only inconsistency to this was his motorbikes! Andy took his test in 1982, passed and then bought a Honda Silverwing (Quite a bike for the time) he then progressed to a Kawasaki GPZ 900 (I rode one of these for the 1st time recently – and scared the crap out of myself!) Andy now lives with his wife and two young children in Essex and works as a consultant Nokia Switch Engineer.
Richard PreugshaatCame from Accrington, of which he was ‘reet prowd!’ Of all the guys that suffered from youthful looks, I reckon Ricky was the worst affected. The first night I met him at Mrs C’s I was convinced he was the Landlady’s son – that is until he opened his mouth and out came a very broad Lancashire accent! He has the dubious honour of being the first (AND LAST!) guy ever to ask me if I was going to get up for a dance. The disco was in Richmond and was quite popular with all of us in 1st year. I’ve got to admit it came as a bit of a shock when he asked. Where I come from guys don’t dance with other guys so I impolitely declined! Actually, it was all pretty innocent, The guys all used to dance in a group, and then while on the floor ‘navigate’ themselves up next to a group girls. Personally, I couldn’t see what was wrong with just going up and asking a girl to dance, but it didn’t seem to work that way in London (or was it just my form – probably). Rick now lives in Bristol with his wife and three kids.
Simon MalinsBefore I start this Simons’s Sir-name is pronounced Mayl-ins – just so you all know! Mal, as he was known, was the class cartoonist. The main subject of his artistic creations was Steve Lavine, not that he excluded anyone else. Yours Truly got his fair share of his caricature being in a lot of acid cartoons. The worst one he ever did had to be of an episode in someone-who-shall-remain-nameless’s life who allegedly had a premature ejaculation problem! For a quiet guy with pleasant demeanour, Mal could be a complete rotter when supplied with crayon, paper and a good theme! I last saw Mal in 1988 working as an Assistant Manager in a Hotel somewhere between Leeds and Bradford.
Steve Lavine Like Mal also hailed from Leeds. Was quite a placid guy with the occasional brilliant one-liner Steve had a bit of a distinguishable nose on him which was probably why Mal made him the main subject of his cartoons! Steve is married with children, still lives in Leeds and is a director with Kingston Communications.
Paul LandsdellPaul has the honour of being the only guy to leave the TTE Scheme of his own free will. Quite a popular bloke in 1st and 2nd year, it came as a bit of a shock when we came back to Kingston to find that Paul had left to join the Navy. This change of career has obviously suited him because he’s still with Her Majesty’s Senior Service, serving as a submariner. Is married with one child and lives in Plymouth (when not patrolling the unseen depths of the ocean!)
Tony Mackeown Hailed from Sunderland the third of the Three Stooges (Along with Mal and Steve Lavine) who always sat at the front of the class. Also became a member of the fast car brotherhood in 4th year after buying a 2.3 litre Rally- prepared Vauxhall Chevette. Tony now lives in the North Midlands with his wife and family.
Glenn PhillipsOriginally from Birmingham and son of a racing (Rally?) driver, Glenn seemed to have cars in his blood. Indeed I would go as far as to say where some of us thought we were good drivers, Glenn actually was. Needless to say Glenn’s choice of Woman-Puller through the College years were in the main, pretty good. I especially liked the X 1/9 and Stag (Anyone remember Mal’s ‘Shagged Stag’ Cartoon?) I do however think he hit rock bottom when he bought the Marina Though! Glenn now lives and works in Texas.
Neil (Lee) WilkinsonAnother guy who didn’t seem to have a problem with the women! In fact he has the honour of being the only guy to score when we were all at Lindley Lodge! Again, also a member of the Fast Car Brotherhood for a while until he had a pretty bad accident. After which he was consigned to public transport for a year. A few of us when we started at college had brought guitars with us, no doubt all dreaming of super-stardom as rock artists. Lee – being into electronic (Gary Numan etc) made his instrument the Synthiziser! (and became rather proficient in playing it) Lee still lives in Kent and works as a Manager for Rank Xerox in London.
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