Hi Basil
Simon Farlow was doing the Argosy OCU when I was on my Herc' Course - big mates with Mike Preston a 'co-pilot' on my course.
Yes I think you're right - working as an ATCO with CAA suited my work ethic or lack of it! I only carried a briefcase to work because it contained my headset, newspaper and sandwiches. I had no interest in promotion, why work 9-5 for 225 - 230 days a year when I turned up for about 180 days on our shift system. As one of my much older colleagues said, " LATCC or Heathrow were great places to go between days off!". Despite not joining until I was 27, my working ATCO's pension equated to a long time in the rank Wg Cdr's or junior Grp Capt's.