It was almost time to finish school, not just for the summer holidays but forever.
I took my exams in May 1984 and by the beginning of June of the same year, it was my last day and we got to go home early, I would be 16 years old on the 16th July.
Recovering From Her Operation
My cousin came with me and we both went around the back and surprised my mother who was on her sun lounger. She was pleased to see both of us and we spoke about our last day and what we would do now. She looked so happy and looked really well. It had been a hard couple of years in the family and even after the operation. Most days the nurses would come to the house and then eventually they didn’t need to come anymore.
We had a holiday in Ireland, just me, my mother and my aunt and although my mother was very frail, she coped really well with the journey. She loved to go home to Ireland and see her family back there.
Playing With My Friends And New Records
I did like this time of year. I would go into town on my bike and buy the latest single or if I had enough money a new Tape for my cassette player. The record I bought was “Wake me up before you go go” by Wham. I had this long brown narrow box that I kept my record collection in.
When I wasn’t listening to my music, I went to see my friends. I loved to stay at my aunt’s house for a few weeks in the summer. I always begged my mother to let me stay another week after the first one. I didn’t stay this year as I was needed at home. I did go down on my bike and then back before it got late. My aunt lived near the railway station in Loughborough and we lived the other end of town. It took about 15 mins on my bike.
It was a warm summer and we all loved it very much. I had started looking for work and had applied for two YTS schemes. These Youth Training Schemes were run by companies and paid for by the government. A great way to gain some skills and hopefully before the year is finished to get a permanent job.
Starting Work
Two letters arrived and I had been accepted for both. Brush Electrical Machines and Fisons. I decided to go to the Brush for the interview and I got it. In August we started. I would be working 5 days a week and on a Wednesday we went to Loughborough College which was perfect for me as it was just over the back from where I lived.
Everything was working out great and I was happy.
