I've been meaning to write something for my page for quite a while now but ...............at last. But you have to remember that we OAPs take much longer to do things.

I came to Cheltenham in 1979 a social worker specialising in work with young offenders who had appeared before the courts. In 1992 I began work for the Probation Service working with offenders of all ages, some of whom might even be Andy's?clients (only joking!)

In 1996, after a course of chemotherapy at Cheltenham General Hospital, I was told the cancer which had developed a year earlier had been cured. Because I needed to take care of my health I joined a local gym where I am convinced that my instructor is a sadist.

Following the cure I decided to retire and was almost immediately invited to go to Hong Kong to work in one of Hong Kong University's Colleges where a friend of mine was the master. I was to do 'welfare' work among overseas students of many different countries. This was no problem because young offenders and university students have many similarities.

I returned to the UK at the end of 2000 because I was finding it difficult to cope with Hong Kong's pollution. I now recruit young people, pre college and post college, to go to Hong Kong for a "Gap Year" to work in schools helping the children improve their English.

If you want to know more contact me patnic@btinternet.com. I shouldn't think you do because I have rambled on enough already.

Patrick Nicholas

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