Kevin King's Home Page
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This is me with my wife, Judy. The character performing the Scooby-Doo impression is our dog, Harris. We also have three children, Rachel, Daniel and Nathanael; but as they have flown the nest now, and have their own tastes when it comes to photos and web-pages, they no longer appear in the photo. To find out more about the rest of the family, click on their names; otherwise read on:
I am 51 years old, and live with my wife, Judy, in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. Before this we lived in Shetland for 9 years. They have a very unique lifestyle there: so returning to England after such a time was quite a culture shock, even though I have strong family roots in this part of the country. But we are now fairly well re-acclimatised. We love wide open spaces: so although we miss Shetland's sea vistas, we enjoy getting out and about in the Yorkshire moors and dales whenever we get the chance.
My interest in computers began whilst studying for a B.Sc.(hons) in Liberal Studies in Science; of which Computer Science was a part. I was a Technical Author/Development Engineer for several years; but when I became involved in buying and programming computers for my company I decided this was more fun than writing manuals!
So what did someone like me find to do in Shetland, you may wonder? Well, there are more than just sheep and ponies there! I worked as a self-employed consultant, under the name of SANE Solutions., mostly on specialist programs for BP's oil terminal at Sullom Voe (the largest in Europe); but I also designed and built web sites, and continue to be responsible for the upkeep of the Papa Stour home page.
I didn't go to Shetland for the work or the scenery, though; nor were these the reasons why we finally left. To me, the most important issue is, 'Why am I here (anywhere) at all?' I became a Christian at the age of 15 and have worked for the Lord, mainly as a church leader and bible teacher, in several different denominations. Judy and the children are also committed Christians. Both in going to Shetland and in leaving it we have been very conscious of God leading and guiding us: though almost always just one step at a time. Judy and I are now members of the Harrogate Christian Fellowship and waiting to discover what God has in store for us next.
Nowadays, I am on the payroll of a company specialising in very large marketing database systems, working as an analyst programmer and technical author. Out of hours, I avoid computer games(I find them too addictive!), even though I've written a few (eg. 'Math Man,' from Scholastic; one of the first educational games on the original 64K IBM PC). But I do like to indulge in a little internet correspondence when time permits...
My other interests include wildlife (for years I wanted to be Curator of Reptiles at London Zoo - useless in Shetland, as they have no reptiles there!) and photography. I also play the violin: though the style I learned was classical - quite unlike Shetland 'fiddle' music; which I never did find time to learn! (Back to family photo)
Judy and I married in 1972. She comes from Cheddar, in Somerset, and we met while studying
in Manchester. Judy trained as a Speech Therapist: but stopped working after our marriage. But after doing a 2-year distance learning course on 'Speech and Language Difficulties,' run by Birmingham University; she has returned to Speech Therapy, working with children in special schools.
Judy's other interests include botany, wildlife, walking and listening to music.(Back to family photo)
Our eldest, at 28 years, Daniel has an honours degree in Cognitive Science from Sheffield University, and is currently living in Sheffield and working in Leeds. He enjoys rock climbing, both outdoor and indoor. (Back to family photo)
Rachel, aged 26, is an ecologist, and is currently doing an MA in Aberdeen. She did part of her degree course in Leon, Spain; where she had to both learn Spanish and tackle all her lectures and exams in that language.
Besides playing the guitar, Rachel loves anything adventurous. This includes globetrotting, rock climbing, parachuting, gliding, swimming with dolphins, etc. She has caused us more grey hairs than both boys combined! When in Shetland she was actively involved with the Shetland Bird Club. Her main interest, however, is people. (Back to family photo)
Nathanael, the youngest, is 24. He completed an engineering degree at Caledonian
University, Glasgow, and is now looking for a suitable career opening. His main interests are cycling, computers, P.A., building and flying radio-controlled gliders and guitar. (Back to family photo)
Harris is an Alsatian cross, and quite a character. He was one of a litter of 14 whose mother had been taken into care by the RSPCA because of neglect. We took him to obedience classes, where we met up with another Alsatian that had a habit of going for any other dog that went near: but she and Harris got on really well. When we got talking to the owner, we discovered she was his mother! So they now holiday together from time to time. Another of Harris' unusual features is that he has no hips! They have both been removed, as he suffered from acute dysplasia: but you would never guess this to see him. His favourite sport is chasing his throwing ring, leaping into the air like a jackrabbit to catch it! He is also fascinated by animal programs on TV. No dog or cat is heard or seen without being challenged, whether in an advert or even a cartoon. (Back to family photo)
Definitions and Digressions
This is a blend of psychology and computing, concerned with understanding the processes
by which humans perceive and learn and using these principles to develop more intelligent
computer systems. (Back to Daniel)
Christians are people who have stopped pretending that they are good enough to deserve a place in heaven. Instead, they have realised that God loved them enough to settle the score for all their wrongdoings by sending His own Son, Jesus, to die in their place. Following this, they have committed their lives to Jesus, trusting Him for the power to enjoy an ongoing relationship with God now and a place in heaven for eternity.
For more information about Christianity, and christian resources on the net, click here. Or visit my 'Loaves and Fishes' page. (Back to About Myself)
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Go to: Family photo. The Shetland photo tour.
SANE Solutions home page.
Zetnet home page.
Article, photos and page creation by Kevin King (that's me!), SANE Solutions, e-mail:kevin.king@zetnet.co.uk