But Mr Carmichael, of Eden Avenue, in Marshside, says after enrolling and attending a few meetings, he realised he had made a mistake.
He said: “Looking back, it seems a bit naive, but I had decided to give them a chance.
“I went to the meetings but didn’t strike up any friendships and didn’t have much in common with any of the other members.
“Don’t get me wrong, they were not criminals – as far as I know, they have done nothing wrong – but they just seemed bitter. I am a patriotic man, I support England when they play – but that’s as far as it goes.”
He said: “As it’s been about two years since I was a member, I thought I wouldn’t have been on any lists. I don’t think I should be on it and I’m worried I could be shunned at college.”
The campaigner for carers’ rights worked in the hotel industry before giving this up to look after his wife, who has spina bifida.
He hopes to start training as a nurse in September, 2009.
