Glam rock, flaired trousers and flared collars. T.Rex, Gary Glitter, David Bowie, Slade were all in their pomp, strutting their stuff high in the charts.
This was the year that I came to the end of my secondary education. I had done well academically at my secondary modern school. I was reasonably bright in the top form throughout this period.
Unfortunately, I was an all round sportsman and in most of the school's teams. This meant I took my eye of the 'academic ball' in the last minutes of the game - end result - a couple of O levels, instead of 5 to 6 that I should have achieved.
So much for sporting prowess.
Here I was, now what to do?
I lived in Taunton - not exactly a thriving hub at the time. Careers advisors thought it was great to work in the local factories. I disagreed. I didn't have a clue what to do (as the Sweet once said).
By chance I found myself outside of the Royal Navy careers office - not a natural place for me, given my dislike of authority. I had managed to last around 20 minutes in the army cadets - who the hell did they think they were? Giving me orders!
So, it is still a mystery to me how, half an hour later I left the Royal Navy careers office having signed on for 9 years service as a Naval Medic (or, medical assistant as they were called).
Why naval medicine - who knows? I liked biology so it seemed a good idea to me.
Oh! I would be seeing the world as well! Bring it on!
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