Student Days

I studied Electronics at Liverpool University from 1971 to 1974. I knew nothing about Liverpool until I actually went there to study. in fact I had only visited the city once before and that was when I went for my interview at the University. My interview was on 20th November 1970. Because my school ran an accelerated study scheme, I already had my A levels when I went for the interview so I was very pleased to get an unconditional offer of a place. This was also the day I met my wife Christina on the train! When I first came to Liverpool, I found the local accent very difficult to understand. By the time I left I sounded like a local.

This is what we looked like back then. Long hair was in style.

Like most students I first lived in a Hall of Residence. I lived in Gladstone Hall in Greenbank Lane. My room numbers were C14 and C20. Later I moved to live at 21 Grant Road Liverpool L14 0LE. I shared this flat with John Clark, Richard Clarke and Colin Bingham.

Our landlord, Bill Gardner, used to spend the days in the basement. He was a real character whose hobby was students. One day I went down there to pay the rent (£3 each per week) and I found him filling shotgun cartridges with gunpowder by the light of a candle.

Sadly 21 Grant Road has now been demolished (fortunately not by an explosion).

Inside Room C14 Gladstone Hall	The view from the balcony
Christina at 21 Grant Road. It had been a grand house once.	Colin and Richard at 21 Grant Road
Inside my room at Grant Rd. Talking on the radio.	Do you remember my old car? It was called "The Lemon"

Liverpool is not a Campus University. It is located in the city centre and you really feel part of the local community which is great as Liverpool people have a wonderful sense of humour.

I was a member of several University Societies, but my favourites were the Astronomical Society and Liverpool University Amateur Radio Society (G3OUL). I was Secretary and later Chairman of this society. Other former members from my day were: John Clark (G4DBE), Chris Friel (G4AUF), Chris Barron (G8GMF), Mike Harbach (G8GMC), Paul Howey (G4BBP), Derek Britton, Jon Barford (G3YSH), Richard May (G8IBP), John Pagett (G8IAV, now G4YTJ), Peter Beharrell, Roger Bracey (G4BZI), Adrian Parker (G8EQT), Ray Wright (G3WZR), Martin Brenig-Jones (GW3ZEQ).

Early student days	Operating from the top of Mam Tor in Derbyshire VHF National Field Day,  Summer 1972
A VHF contest in the Physics tower	Fixing aerials on the roof of the Student's Union building
Chris Barron and Sue Murray sleeping on tables.	Christina on a Mersey Ferry
Christina in Greenbank Park	The Dell. Sefton Park
Remember that yellow jacket I used to wear?
My 21st Birthday party.	John Clark, John Pagett, Richard May, Malcolm Wheatley, Me
With my family, Bill Gardner, Christina and John Clark	On a hike in the Lake District

Graduation Day 1974. When I had hair.


University days are over. Christina and I get engaged 1974.

Were you at Liverpool University in those days? Why not send me an e-mail? Details on my Home Page.