I'm Matthew Farrugia, born in Thurlby, a small Lincolnshire village. I grew up here attending the local Primary School. Back then, this had no more than 200 pupils in total.
Primary school was great although the headmaster wasn't at all pleasant and use to bully quite a few students. Luckily, when I was in year 3 or year 4, the existing headmaster retired and the new one was certainly a lot better.
I remember we had a few new starters in year 5 and year 6 of which three I became good friends with. I did well in primary school, with science and maths being my strongest subjects. Although I did fail my Eleven Plus I wasn't overly disappointed because it was only by three marks, I didn't revise and wasn't too fussed whether I went to the grammar school or not as long as I did well and I did my best. That was all that mattered.
I started secondary school which was a ten mile bus journey with a half mile walk at both ends. I was put in my form class and quickly made new friends since my old friends were either in a different form or at a different school.
About midway into my secondary education I had to move to the Northeast to a very new neighbourhood, town and school where I knew no one, which as you can imagine, was very daunting. However, I managed well and made new friends who had a fascination with my "London accent" as it was described as. The conclusion they made...I was posh.
At the time, I was very close to my grandparents. For a year or so, I was up and down the country like a yo-yo not being able to settle. Eventually, I did finish my secondary education in the Northeast, taking one of my GCSEs a year early, the remaining in Year 11, passing all but two GSCEs (French & R.E subjects) with flying colours.
I took a year out between school and college which allowed me to move back south to my grandparents, where all this time I knew I should have stayed in the first place and that this is where I belong.
I started college the following September studying four A levels. There is always that satisfaction going shopping for new pens, folders, A4 plastic wallets as well as clothes and shoes. I still don't know why that was, whether it's because of the new smelling pencil case or the crisp clean white notepad. I made a few close friends once again here and studied hard which meant I passed all exams once again.
I decided not to go to University as I felt this was not for me. After much deliberation and contemplation I knew getting a degree would not guarantee me a job, let alone in the industry for which the degree was acquired. Throughout my life I quickly understood that I like learning and doing things on a practical basis and that full time work was my best option with the view to progress up a career ladder.
I have been in full time work, mainly sales roles with various management duties as these positions suit my out-going personality and the ability to build a rapport with others very quickly. I have worked with various products from fashion to technology, in various roles, from a customer assistant to sales management. I then ventured into a completely different career; in optics. I started as an Opticial Consultant, and 4 and half years later I am now a Student Dispensing Optician funded by the company.
The majority of my free time was dedicated to my passion, photography. I spent plenty of my time locally and on occasion I have explored other locations and other genres of photography such as landscapes & buildings, otherwise it can become mundane. It also means I get to try out different techniques and methods.
When I say "was", thats because my wife and I have been blessed with a beautiful boy born August 2017, weighing just 5lb 2oz (with no requirement for medical intervention). Given the size he is now and his appearance, you wouldn't think he was born so small. As a new parent (or any parent for that matter), your time soon gets taken up very quickly and easily. At least I get to practice portrait photography now.
That's about it for now, so get in touch for whatever reason; discussions with photography and/or if you need my services or even a general chit chat if you prefer. I'm always looking to make new contacts and friends.
Primary school was great although the headmaster wasn't at all pleasant and use to bully quite a few students. Luckily, when I was in year 3 or year 4, the existing headmaster retired and the new one was certainly a lot better.
I remember we had a few new starters in year 5 and year 6 of which three I became good friends with. I did well in primary school, with science and maths being my strongest subjects. Although I did fail my Eleven Plus I wasn't overly disappointed because it was only by three marks, I didn't revise and wasn't too fussed whether I went to the grammar school or not as long as I did well and I did my best. That was all that mattered.
I started secondary school which was a ten mile bus journey with a half mile walk at both ends. I was put in my form class and quickly made new friends since my old friends were either in a different form or at a different school.
About midway into my secondary education I had to move to the Northeast to a very new neighbourhood, town and school where I knew no one, which as you can imagine, was very daunting. However, I managed well and made new friends who had a fascination with my "London accent" as it was described as. The conclusion they made...I was posh.
At the time, I was very close to my grandparents. For a year or so, I was up and down the country like a yo-yo not being able to settle. Eventually, I did finish my secondary education in the Northeast, taking one of my GCSEs a year early, the remaining in Year 11, passing all but two GSCEs (French & R.E subjects) with flying colours.
I took a year out between school and college which allowed me to move back south to my grandparents, where all this time I knew I should have stayed in the first place and that this is where I belong.
I started college the following September studying four A levels. There is always that satisfaction going shopping for new pens, folders, A4 plastic wallets as well as clothes and shoes. I still don't know why that was, whether it's because of the new smelling pencil case or the crisp clean white notepad. I made a few close friends once again here and studied hard which meant I passed all exams once again.
I decided not to go to University as I felt this was not for me. After much deliberation and contemplation I knew getting a degree would not guarantee me a job, let alone in the industry for which the degree was acquired. Throughout my life I quickly understood that I like learning and doing things on a practical basis and that full time work was my best option with the view to progress up a career ladder.
I have been in full time work, mainly sales roles with various management duties as these positions suit my out-going personality and the ability to build a rapport with others very quickly. I have worked with various products from fashion to technology, in various roles, from a customer assistant to sales management. I then ventured into a completely different career; in optics. I started as an Opticial Consultant, and 4 and half years later I am now a Student Dispensing Optician funded by the company.
The majority of my free time was dedicated to my passion, photography. I spent plenty of my time locally and on occasion I have explored other locations and other genres of photography such as landscapes & buildings, otherwise it can become mundane. It also means I get to try out different techniques and methods.
When I say "was", thats because my wife and I have been blessed with a beautiful boy born August 2017, weighing just 5lb 2oz (with no requirement for medical intervention). Given the size he is now and his appearance, you wouldn't think he was born so small. As a new parent (or any parent for that matter), your time soon gets taken up very quickly and easily. At least I get to practice portrait photography now.
That's about it for now, so get in touch for whatever reason; discussions with photography and/or if you need my services or even a general chit chat if you prefer. I'm always looking to make new contacts and friends.
