Reading books by English writers was an inherent part of my Australian childhood. I adored the tiny books and illustrations of Beatrice Potter and devoured books about ponies and boarding schools. Each month my mother bought me 'June And School Friend' and I silently slipped into England.

The English landscape seemed familiar, and it was as if I had been born in a country that was alien to deep European roots. My family had evolved from a mixture of English, Irish, Scottish and Finnish culture, so I had been brought up on a hybrid of traditions and beliefs. Not only did we listen to and watch British radio and TV programmes, including The Bill, but we stood to God Save The Queen at the cinema. And at Christmas we gave cards with snow scenes even though it was blisteringly hot!

In my teenage years Jane Eyre and Lorne Doone, along with my brother's Beatles, Rolling Stones and Van Morrison records, must have been subliminal messages, leading me to the UK! So when I had the opportunity to experience the real thing in 2001 as a teacher of English, I knew it would be a life changing experience. I remember driving to school in 2001, thinking, 'Wow! I am in Sheffield, England! How amazing is that?'

Showroom Cinema

© Jeremy Abrahams 2015