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I lived at home until 1993, when I went to The University of Birmingham, to do a B.Sc in Physics with Electronics. In 1996 I graduated, and came to Essex to study for an M.Sc. in Audio Systems Engineering. I liked so much that I am still here, carrying out research as part of a PhD programme.

When I was at home
my main interest was music. I spent lots of time playing the keyboard and writing music, and have always bought far to many records and CDs, usually second hand. I also did some acting, and competed in the local drama festival from age 8-18. And, as every geek who writes a web page says, I also dabbled with some computers which seem antique now: a ZX-81, an Acorn Electron, and finally an Atari ST, which is still more stable than a campus PC running Windows 95.

At Birmingham
I lived in University House for two years, then moved into a typical student house in Selly Oak. Here's a waffley biographical thing I wrote back then. I finally learnt to ride a bike at 20 (deprived childhood!) when I had to travel in every day. The things I remember most from Birmingham are the kids hols and playschemes I helped out on during summer '94, the fun I had in halls during my second year, and becoming a Christian that summer.

Left: Ant, Pete, John, Craig & Mags - Physics Ball 1996.

Right: Ant, John, and me - Graduation 1996.

If I get time I'll compile a where are they now of people I knew: Pete Wood is working in Chorley, Craig Bexon is still in Brum and is marrying Mags this summer, Antony Annunziata has stormed through his exams at Aston and is now in placement with BT, and John Greenwood has got a job near home. Kathryn Marsh is working for Agape in Newcastle, Portia got married last year and is still in Brum, as is Helen. I wish I knew what happened to Chris West, who I shared the house in Selly Oak with, along with a variety of other people. I graduated with a 2ii, which didn't get me a job, so I came to Essex.

At Essex
I lived on Greenstead for two years, with two different families. I'm involved with the Christian Union - check out the gallery to see what happens there! Last year I joined the Ballroom Dancing society. I've never claimed to be any good at it, but it's completely different from anything I've ever tried before, and I really enjoy it. After a lot of arm twisting, we strutted our funky at the Summer Ball!

Left: Me, my tutor, and Chua - Graduation 1997.

Right: Me, Richard & Tim - CU play 1997

There were only five of us on the M.Sc. course. Of the others : Chua returned to singapore, and has had a son, called Joel; Albert is now working for Meridian audio; Vas returned to Athens, and joined the army; Kee was looking for a job when I last saw him October 97.

Ballroom Dancing Society		Christian Union

I've recently moved house, going out into the countryside (well, Alresford). The best thing that's happened this year is that in May, me and Beccy finally started going out together, after months of our friends (and, if we're honest, both of us) being convinced that we were made for each other. I won't write a soppy "me and my girlfriend" page, but if you want to see a photo, skip to the bottom of the page.
There are separate pages describing the audio lab where I've been based since October 1997, and the work I do there.

Family
One day I might do a family tree so I can follow it all myself. I'm an only child, I have eight Aunties (and Unlces!), and lots of cousins, from Nottinghamshire to Australia. My closest relatives are my Mum and my Granny, and some of my Aunty's and Uncles are pretty cool as well.

Left: Mum's family a while ago. (check out those sideburns!)

Right: Dad's side of the family July 1994. Photo courtesy Albert Robinson

Photos

Summer Ball 1998

Collecting Gramophones