Chapter 1 Synopsis:

• Born Newtownards, 1937.

• Family business - Tobacco/Confectionary & Antique Dealership.

• Grandfather - Hugh Kirk, renowned Antiquarian.

• Lives with Grandparents while Mother in Hospital with TB.

• Early Cycling Influence - Parents rode a Tandem.

• History of Tuberculosis in Mother's Family.

• Vivid Memory - War Declared - aged 2 and a Half.

• Parents House - Cottage on Donaghadee Road.

• Only sibling - a Sister.

• Aged 11 when Mother dies of Tuberculosis.

• Grandfather's Art Connections - visits from Estyn Evans.

• Great animosity between Grandparents.

• Painter Paul Nietzsche lodges with Grandparents.

• Aged 5 moves back with Parents.

• Grandfather's Shop behind Town Hall, Newtownards.

• Trauma of being parted from Mother to start School.

• Very withdrawn at School - Sport and Interests help.