I was born in November 1970 (Scorpio) to join my brother Michael (4 & 1/2) and my sister (6) in the lovely quiet Australian town of Hobart on the island of Tasmania. I grew up in Lindisfarne, in the leafy eastern suburbs and I had a lovely life! We had a swimming pool and bikes and lots of neighbours (you know ... everybody has good neighbours ....) and so who needs anything more when you are growing up. I have remained great friends with 2 of my neighbours who also live in London. I went to school at St Cuthberts Primary school, the good little Catholic I was (emphasise WAS), where I met my life long buddy Stephen. Together we were right little nerds often discribed as odd. Nothing changes.

ABOUT TASMANIA

After the blissful years of primary school it was off to St. Virgils college, an all boys catholic school run by the Christian Brothers. I must say that in hindsight they were probably the worst 5 years of my life. I always hated school and although I always did well, I had potential to do more. There was a lot of intrenched bullying and bastardisation which never seemed to be addressed by the school. I remained good friends with Stephen and we had 'The Group' which was a collection of odd balls (mainly nerds but this before the full-on computer age geeks). I hated sport at that time which is ironic now considering what a slave I can be for the gym and I love swimming, running and stuff. I would love to see some of the 'sportos' from school now ... probably a lot of couch potatoes! I always felt that school was a boot camp plus we had to do army cadets which I DETESTED. I finally encouraged my father to let me change schools for my last year of high school in 1988

1988 was a great year and I never thought school could be so good. I went to Hobart College which was a government run school (unlike St Virgils which was private) and it was the largest school for HSC (Higher School Certificate) students in the state. I wanted to go there because of the drama facilities although I wish I had used some of the other excellent facilities at the time like art and photography. At last I was treated like an adult which I abused and sadly I failed the year! I don't regret it though because I made some great friends and had a great time. I did go on eventually to do night school in 1989 and graduated with high marks. I made some wonderful friends at Hobart College including Suzanne, a wonderful girl who, although I treated very badly a few years back, has remained a great friend. She has been a great inspiration to me as she encouraged my arty side which had remained dormant until then. Suzanne is a very talented graphic artist who now lives in London. In 1988 I fell out with my friend Stephen. I realise that we had begun to move in different directions and it was a sad ending to a wonderful childhood friendship which we know now was far stronger than anyone could have predicted. It was a falling-out that lasted almost 4 years.