![\"Muarice](\"https:\/\/olioweb.me.uk\/CarisbrookeGrammar-1966\/wp-content\/uploads\/Muarice-Young.jpg\")
When I first opened Jeremy’s site, I was amazed. How many years of battling Friends Reunited, and here we are – a lovely and simple source of so many memories.<\/p>\nWhen I first opened Jeremy’s site, I was amazed. How many years of battling Friends Reunited, and here we are – a lovely and simple source of so many memories.<\/p>\n
I do dwell on my memories of CGS, quite often. Without it, where would we all be?<\/p>\n
I must confess that, at Carisbrooke, I was not best stimulated on the academic side, but certainly enjoyed the sports available. Somewhat unfortunately, toward the end of the fourth year, I had a rather nasty accident playing rugby, which led to major changes in my attitude to Life.<\/p>\n
When I left, I had no real motivation, but knew that a sedentary career was not for me. I was then a member of the Auxiliary Fire Service, and the then Deputy Chief Fire Officer told me that I was wanted for interview for a position as a whole-time fireman. I was successful. I was actually under-age, but they were determined. October 1965.<\/p>\n
That lasted until the late 1980s. I was fortunate to survive being confirmed dead twice, many accidents (story of my life), eventually acting as Brigade Training Officer, Senior Fire Prevention Officer, and Brigade Senior Staff Officer.<\/p>\n
Unfortunately, another accident brought that career to an end just prior to going for a Brigade Command Course (Chief Fire Officer). I damaged the major muscles in my back, in service, and was told that I would never walk again, would need a plastic body corset, and an electric wheelchair.<\/p>\n
I must admit that I had had better news in my life!<\/p>\n
I found acupuncture. Within six weeks, and a tad of perspiration, I was walking. Recovery took perhaps ten years, and I still have to be careful (mm that is the difficult part).<\/p>\n
Upon leaving the Fire Service, we went to Scotland to live. A series of Life’s strange ways saw us running the Forestry Commission’s largest camp site, which we turned into a profit-maker in two years. Then we went up to Glen Nevis, where we bought a farm, Guest house, self-catering and bunkhouse.<\/p>\n
Ten years on, and my back problems saw me using walking sticks, and the GP advised moving South, to warmer climes.<\/p>\n
Ramsgate, where Dianne was born, was our next sojourn. I really enjoyed the time there. I went to College in the evenings, and gained A* at O Level Law, and A Level the following year. I was also a Magistrate, and Kent county standard croquet.<\/p>\n
Another health problem. A version of Dermatomyositis trundled into my life. This time, however, the medics gave me two years to live, and massive doses of steroids. 1998.<\/p>\n
So, we defeated that one. We moved to Central Portugal, quite close to Coimbra, in 2000. The first thing that we did was an intensive course in the Portuguese language. Here, I pay homage to dear Percy Hallet – my enjoyment of Latin (truly) helped tremendously.<\/p>\n
We enjoy a wonderful life, in a tiny, and tranquil village, preferring the company of our Portuguese chums to most of the expats (of all nations) who have descended over recent years.<\/p>\n
The Portuguese are lovely – until they are driving a car!!<\/p>\n
On the personal side, I had married, in 1966, in Holy Trinity, Cowes – and who could ever forget the Rev Eyton-Jones? Sadly, there was need for me to draw an end to that marriage, in 1981.<\/p>\n
I remarried, to Dianne, and I have two lovely step-daughters, one daughter, and a son who my first wife and I adopted. Five grandchildren, and one cat.<\/p>\n
I enjoyed amateur dramatics for most of my time before leaving the IOW. Sailing was, and still is, a huge love. I played a lot of cricket, and still umpire\/score with new teams that we have set up in Central Portugal. I recently umpired in a match at Liz Tavares (nee Taylor)’s old school, St. Julien’s.<\/p>\n
I noticed Paul Eveleigh’s comments about age, work, etc. – very true, but I have found that memory, and ability have increased also. Oh, that I had felt like this in those heady days of CGS!<\/p>\n
Sorry that I missed the reunion at Ryde, medical problems, what else!<\/p>\n
Keep the memories strong, people.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
When I first opened Jeremy’s site, I was amazed. How many years of battling Friends Reunited, and here we are – a lovely and simple source of so many memories. I do dwell on my memories of CGS, quite often. …<\/p>\n