I was born in Teignmouth, Devon, England in 1951 and having a problem with my eye-sight attended the school for the visually handicapped in Exeter, however this did not stop my enthusiasm for 'things electrical' and can always remember playing with batteries, wire etc. and later enjoyed going to jumble sales looking for old radios and speakers and yes I was one of the many who destroyed  many a now valuable radio in the learning process.
    I spent several years in the 70's repairing radios and stereos but had to give it up due to my eye-problems (many a time I have burnt the end of my nose with the soldering iron!!)
    I migrated to Australia in 1982 and have worked as a baker/pastrycook ever since, in 1992 I got my amateur radio license (VK2GSU) studying for the exam rekindled the interest in radio and since then I have enjoyed the nostalgic trip down memory lane and beyond.  I joined the HRSA (Historical Society of Australia) and find their quarterly publication very informative. I still find it hard to believe there are so many of the old radios around and find it a great challenge and very rewarding to bring them back to life.