The most interesting household name I have had the chance to chat with was probably John Surtees. I could mention only a handful of others including Stirling Moss, whose foot I stood on by accident, but what you tend to get with famous people on short acquaintance is the persona, the performance, rather than the person. That wasn't so with Surtees or so I thought. I asked him something about his time with Ferrari. Initially I thought he had just decided to ignore me, but after what felt like half a minute he embarked on an answer that would almost have made an article had I been able, and alert enough, to record it.
Had a meeting with Geoff Hurst back in the 90s I think when he worked client-facing for an insurance company. I deliberately didn't ask him about you know what, he must have been sick nearly to death of it. I also know sod all about football.
Tagging along with a friend who had some business with him, I did meet Moss again much later at his office in Mayfair. Fortunately, and unsurprisingly, he didn't remember the incident 30 years previously and I certainly didn't mention it.
The only prize I ever.won at school, in 1966 for being second at something, was presented by Leonard Cheshire VC.
I met Henry Cooper in about 1980, when he was doing a public appearance. Can't remember much except he had a very nice suit!
Last edited by: Manatee on Sat 13 Jan 24 at 11:43
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