Caroline (known to her friends as Caz) was born in Hong Kong on 29th January 1979. Shortly afterwards, she moved with her family to Iraq, where she spent a few years living in a secure compound near Baghdad Airport. The family moved back to England in 1982, where she grew up in Upper Norwood, then Croydon, then Guildford. At the age of 18, she moved to London to study for a BSc in Biology at Imperial College, where she met John-Paul, and followed this up with an MSc in Environmental Technology. She is currently working as an Environmental Consultant in London, saving the world from reckless road building. Caroline likes food, far away places and lying in bed. When feeling more energetic, she also likes skiing, scuba diving, sailing and walking. Send me a message.
John-Paul (J-P for short) was born in Manchester on 12th December 1978, and lived in Oldham for the first 18 years of his life where he spent lots of time enjoying the great outdoors. He then moved to London and spent four years studying for an MEng in Information Systems Engineering at Imperial College, where he met Caroline. He currently works as Head of Engineering for Imagineer Systems, which produces visual effects software. J-P likes sailing, walking, skiing, but not scuba diving as it's too much like hard work. He also likes real beer, any food or drink that's aged, and quality German automobiles. Send me a message.
Alicia Chan and Michael Soubry met in the British Protectorate of Hong Kong while they were employed by the same engineering firm, Freeman Fox & Partners. They were married in England. Caroline is their first child, the family being completed a year and a half later with a son, James. Alicia was born in Shanghai. Pressures of the Chinese Cultural Revolution led to her arrival with her Mother in Hong Kong. There she continued her schooling followed by work in secretarial, jewellery and fashion. She is now with the regional office of a major Building Development firm. Michael's roots, and his birthplace, are in Upper Norwood and surroundings. With a BSc(Eng) from Imperial College, a significant proportion of his professional life in Civil Engineering has been overseas. Now, although officially retired, he is still working virtually full time in Guildford with the same firm. Send us a message.
Formerly Rosemary Percival and Colin Smith, who met one wonderful Christmas evening at the Savoy Dance Hall. Colin was on leave from the Merchant Navy at the time. After a (for then) prolonged courtship they married in 1962 and have lived happily together (mostly) at their small bungalow in Chadderton.
Rosemary worked in the secretarial department of a large electrical engineering company for a number of years before starting their family with John-Paul and later adding Peter (any offers accepted). In-between times working in various shops, finally retiring from paid work as a Pharmacy assistant. Hobbies and past-times include Guiding, craft work and dancing (despite Colin's two left feet).
Colin has had a slightly more varied life, career wise: Coach painter, Merchant Seaman, R&D Engineer (High Voltage), Electronics Engineer, and lastly Lecturer, picking up the required qualifications on the way including a BA(OU). Ha, those were the days (or should we say nights) of midnight oil burning! Hobbies, anything really, life is full of opportunities. Send us a message.
Mark grew up in Shropshire. After a gap year going to lots of far-away places, he moved to London aged 19 to study for an MEng in Civil Engineering at Imperial College. His room was next to J-P's, which was handy as they soon discovered common interests in sailing, walking, and beer. J-P and Caroline have also since helped introduce him to skiing. Mark shared a flat with J-P for 3 years (and Caroline for the final year). After graduation and a few years in the West Midlands, he is now working in central Manchester as a construction site engineer with a major national contractor. Send me a message.
Rachel grew up in a small village in Northamptonshire. She had the great fortune to meet Caroline when she moved to the big smoke aged 18 to study Biology BSc at Imperial College. Rachel and Caroline became firm friends after living on the same landing during their first year and attending the same classes for the next three. Now working in conservation for a local authority in Hampshire, Rachel spends most of her time mending hedgehogs and helping badgers cross the road. She has so far resisted the invitation from her engineering friends to 'embrace the aggregrate'. Send me a message.
John-Paul's brother, Peter was born on 21st November 1980. He studied Archaeology at Trinity College, Carmarthen and has since worked in customer relations for a large mail-order retailer, both in the UK and India. Peter likes travelling, driving, and gambling.
Caroline's brother, James was born in England on 2nd December 1980. At the age of 18 he went to Portsmouth University to study for a BEng in Electronic and Computer Engineering. He is currently living with his parents in Guildford and working in IT. His hobbies include gadgets, golf, girls and lager. James is also the artist of the Soubry family and will be acting as "unofficial" photographer on the day.
Spencer met John-Paul at Imperial when he was studying Physics, and living on the same landing in Linstead Hall. A slight change in direction sent him away to Birmingham to do an MSc in Computer Science, but the friendship held firm. Spencer is now back in London, living in the prestigious area of Mile End. He dabbles in the stock market (quite successfully we hear), and is a keen musician. He is currently working in IT whilst pursuing a music career in his spare time.
Andy was an honorary member of Linstead Hall (in that he didn't live there but might as well have) and met Caroline and John-Paul through mutual friends. He is currently keeping Essex moving, working in the County Council, whilst saving for the Audi TT that will cement his status as a true Essex boy.