Yep. its an oldie. I have known Nick since 1973-76?. That picture of Nick was taken later though, from memory it was about the time we both moved to Lamma in the mid eighties. I believe it was taken in a bar then called Rumours run by ex-footballer Billy Semple and his wife Annie. The bar was in Sunning Plaza Causeway Bay where Nick and I used to DJ/VJ.
At the time Nick was a highly regarded sub editor for RTHK/ATV (I think it was) and often appeared on the television presenting news reports. He was often seen on TV battling against the elements at Star Ferry in the midst of a typhoon 9, yelling at the top of his voice against the wind, dodging flying bamboo poles and grinning like a lunatic.
About six months after we moved to Lamma, Nick decided to give up his high flying journalistic career and "chill out" with the best that Lamma had to offer at the time.
Since then he has become far more famous than he would have been following a television career, after all, who remembers his famous buddy Julie Mullins today eh?
Unlike Julie, Nick found his niche and became a Lamma landmark. On many occasions, people holding parties on Lamma would include Nick in their directions, IE. "turn right when you see the Hairy Guy on the corner selling books".
Nick has never looked back since, I believe his only regret is that he can't buy bacon and eggs for $5 at the Lee Garden Restaurant (now Deli Lamma) any more.
One mostly unknown fact about Nick is he is a really great writer. Not only does he sell and recycle books, he could probably write one too. Sadly he is too bloody unfocussed to get it done.
However, lest you think I am being uncharacteristically nice about Nick, I include the following embarrassing picture to redress the balance a bit. (Nick is the kissy guy on the right)
http://www.web4uk.tv/oldies/rich2.jpg
Can you say Hi to Nick for me when you go by. Tell him I miss him (how sweet) and also say that Rich Dunning asked me to send hugs too if I could get in contact.
Coincidentally, Rich is the other guy in the picture above LOL.