Raising a glass to lifeboat crews

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JOHN HANNAM in time to be interviewed before the show. I was actually in the city for the re-scheduled appointment when I was ‘phoned again to say that Cathy was not feeling well and would not be up for the interview. The next date offered was a Bank Holiday. I had to get special permission – and that wasn’t from Cathy. Would she turn up on a Bank Holiday? I got to the venue and there was no-one around. I would never live this down at home. All of a sudden I heard a voice say “you must be John.” There was a happy ending – and I have never been the same since. I wish Roger de Courcey had been as friendly. I have met him on several occasions and he has always been so rude and unhelpful. Once he asked me to report to the stage door at Sandown Pavilion for my interview. He then proceeded to walk by and treat me like dirt. He has turned down every interview request since then. I’ve always preferred Nookie his bear, anyway. I would never expect to be treated like that by a real Hollywood legend – and so it proved. When I met and interviewed Charlton Heston it was even better than I could have wished for. When he came to Dimbola Lodge, on a flying visit, he held a ten minute press conference for the local news media. It was not what I was looking for. Then, a few months later, I ran into a mutual friend, local photographer David White. He asked how the interview had gone with Charlton, at Dimbola. I explained there had not been time for what I had wanted. David promised the next time Chuck came to London he would get me an interview. Imagine my surprise, a few months later, when David contacted me and asked me to ring a famous London hotel and ask for Charlton Heston. I did and was even more surprised when he answered the ‘phone. Within a couple of days I was in that Piccadilly hotel with Chuck and his lovely wife, Lydia, whom I had met on the Island, at her photographic exhibition. I joined them at their lunch table and could not help but notice that every eye in the restaurant was focused on Charlton Heston. They had obviously never seen Ben Hur eat there before. When Chuck had gone to the cloakroom I asked Lydia how long could he spare me for the interview? I wanted an hour but was too scared to ask – I just settled for 45 minutes. When Chuck returned Lydia told him I would like 45 minutes. He remarked that he had never undertaken that long an interview in his life. In the end I got an hour and it proved one of the great moments of my life. When I went to the Surrey offices of Sir Cliff Richard the plan was for another hour interview. I did freeze when his manager apologized and offered me just around 15 minutes, as Cliff was busy. My mouth became dry as I wondered just how I could fit all my questions into that short spot. I must have looked a little harassed and Cliff even brought in some bottled water on a tray. What a waiter he proved to be! We hit it off from the opening moments of the interview and I just kept going. Cliff was clearly enjoying it and his manager left us to it. In the end I obtained 45 minutes of his precious time. I am still asked what Cliff Richard is really like. I found him a perfect gentleman and great company. I have interviewed several one hit wonders with unbelievable egos. Cliff has had well over a hundred hits and is completely unspoilt. I have interviewed Sir Norman Wisdom on several occasions. Once, after a live Sunday lunchtime appearance on my radio show, I took him for a personal appearance at the Frank James Hospital, East Cowes. The crowds were massive and we had to whisk him inside on one occasion. At that time the Fairlee Hospice was temporarily at this East Cowes hospital. He went in to see the patients and it was if a switch was suddenly turned on. He danced all around the ward, sat on the beds, kissed the ladies and was an inspiration to 14 everyone present. I will never ever forget that moment. The last time I met him was in a posh Southampton hotel. We had lunch and then his personal assistant said it was time for the interview in his suite. He enquired: “What interview?” He’d forgotten why I was with him. Once that mike was live there was no stopping him. It was the same with Ken Dodd. We could have chatted for two hours. I’ve been so lucky to meet many of my own personal heroes – like Sir Roger Bannister, Bobby Moore, Matt Monro, Frankie Howerd, Stirling Moss, Duane Eddy and David Gates – plus real glamour in the shape (that is the word I am looking for) of Sam Fox, Linda Cathy Tyson
Lusardi and Miss World 1966 (Ann Sidney). John Hannam Meets every Sunday lunchtime between 12 noon and 2pm on Isle of Wight Radio. Can be heard on 107FM and worldwide via the internet on www.iwradio.co.uk Ken Dodd Charlton Heston JOHN HANNAM Sam Fox Sir Norman Wisdom 15
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Raising a glass to lifeboat crews

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