Mike and Pat bought a near-derelict bungalow in Hildenborough, moving in at the end of a very snowy 1970 with 3 kids (6,4 and 2) and a dog. There was no hot running water and they all shared a bed for the first few days. He enthusiastically set about doing up the home, coming home around 6pm each evening, taking off his clothes at the front door, and getting on with the work. He honed his DIY skills and his urge to help the family (and others) with their own homes in time was relentless, always wanting to help. The home became a large two storey house in the late 80s and became the hub for the whole family to visit.