Claim To Fame Man www.pmadamson.co.uk
The A - Z of Claims To Fame - Part 1 A - E
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Claim To Fame Man www.pmadamson.co.uk The A - Z of Claims To Fame - Part 1 A - E |
Home Page Claims To Fame F-L Claims To Fame M-S Claims To Fame T-Z Claim To Fame - NearMisses Songs For Autism
I was there in person ! Guestbook Jukebox Claim To Name You Tube
“Dreaming about being an actress, is more exciting then being one.”
(Marilyn Munroe)
''It is better to travel with your feet on the ground than to arrive with your head in the clouds'' (P.M.Adamson)
I got the nickname for all my strange claims.- Everything listed is strange but true and comes mainly from my Music and Football Career.
A
Accrington Stanley F.C. Not only have I lined at the famous club on two occasions but Highly Strung did a gig at the social club, so I have actually played at Accrington Stanley.
Picture by Robert Wade
Wikimedia Commons
Acorn User Magazine. Many of my tunes were published in Acorn User magazine where I was simply called Mr.Adamson, although one issue said I was the nations favourite music teacher. I also got a mention in the very last Star Info issue as one of the best contributors.The Files have also appeared on CD Roms and Floppy Discs. That was back in the days when you didn't have to keep switching computers off and on again to solve problems.
Monsignor Thomas Adamson - (Not to be confused with an American priest of ill repute) - Father Thomas Adamson (UK) was the Papal Secretary and my second cousin. He was also listed in Who's Who due to his high profile role in the Catholic Church in England.
Arthur Albiston (MUFC) I cautioned his son in a Lancashire Amateur League game. Only realised afterwards when it was pointed out to me.
John Allison of the Allisons (Not real Brothers) recorded one of my Dad's songs as a demo.The Allisons were chart toppers who also represented the Uk in the Eurovision song contest in 1961 and had a Number One hit with 'Are You Sure'. I'd love to know what these white label EMI acetates would be worth today especially when done by a relatively big name.
Sir James Anderton - Chief of Greater Manchester Police. Anderton frequently courted public controversy with his outspoken views on policing and morality. As a professed Christian who claimed to speak with God regularly and who characterised himself to be an instrument of divine judgement Anderton came to be known as "God's copper". I met 'Jim' at Holy Cross Chorley when he was guest speaker at certificates evening. I deliberately put 'Litany for All Souls Day' (Schubert) into the programme because of it's religious connotations but was pleasantly surprised when he slapped his thighs with enthusiasm during my own composition 'Ribchester Swing' and later told me how much he enjoyed it without reference to the Schubert. That said, I found him to be a really nice guy who was misunderstood and misinterpreted by a media that enjoys a pot at Christianity. Also had a chat with his chauffer. Ribchester Swing incidentally was inspired by a children's swing in a park at Ribchester which squeeked a sequence in tune of a chord so I used it to create the piece which was naturally in the swing genre.
Anglo American and World Recession Blues. This was the song I recorded with Sarah Lemieux which went on sale as a download. It was later turned into a slide show for you tube. www.myspace.com/angloamericanblues or www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEKQT02FuZ8
Anfield Home of Liverpool F.C. Did a Cup Final there as assistant referee in an E.S.F.A. under 19 Inter County Game. That tunnel is really narrow.
John Aston. I managed to get the autographs of both John Aston Senior and Junior on the same page of an autograph book. John Aston senior played for Manchester United and his son played for Manchester United most notably in the 1968 European Cup Final when they beat Benfica 4-1. The autographs were recently traded with Andrew Henderson of www.tradingnothing.com Click link and read about the opportunity to own these autographs and several others from the mid 1960's.
Aston Villa - I once refereed Aston Villa's first team kit in a Sunday Pub game. How it went from Villa Park on Saturday and returned by Monday morning is a secret between the laundry department and the amateur teams' manager, who just happened to be a nephew of someone who didn't mind pulling a fast one. Sunday press missed that one but what a scoop for me. They will have to keep an 'iron it' in future.
B
Badly Drawn Boy - See Dave Verner.
Chris Barber (and his Jazzmen) gave a special schools concert in Warrington.The music teacher used his retirement money to personally book him for lunch and a concert being a lifelong fan. Had a chat about education and got ticket signed.Great show and well adapted for educational visit.Chris had previously worked with Lonnie Donegan who was a former pupil of Ambrose College in Hale Barnes where I was once interviewed.
Stan Barker (Jazz Musician) - Worked with Stan as part of a Jazz College course for teachers and later pupils. See also Digby Fairweather.
Barclay James Harvest (through th eyes of John Lees) - Many years ago I made a guest appearance as vocalist with the Breeze Hill Rockband. Bassist that day was Craig Fletcher who went on to be a member of Barclay James Harvest. I think Craig also played in my 1st X1 football team when we historically defeated Blue Coat coming back from 3-0 to win 4-3 with 10 men (not a sending off, it's all we could get) when they were top of the league and we'd not won all season. I also taught his brother Simon, or at least tried to. Simon contacted me via e mail to remind me of those great days . Well done, I'm suitably proud of this claim to fame. I may pop along next time the band are in Manchester. watch this space as they say.
Irma Barlow, daughter of Hilda Ogden from Coronation Street.She was the first famous person I ever met. I got her autograph at a charity Football Match in Crumpsall. Can't find it after all these years. Real name was Sandra Gough.
Peter Barnes (England International Footballer) came to our school Christmas concert and had a chat afterwards.He returned at a later date to present the school with it's first football kit. I was team manager. Nice man.
Beat Fiction - I have had the job of driving round the Band's Gear and handing out the collectable badges. I was personally thanked on stage at one of the gig's and got a mention in a North West band review as the driving Dad.(My son being the drummer) This section will be updated when the Band EP launch has taken place. Remember the last time I carried gear was for the Buzzcocks so maybe an omen here. You can catch up with Beat Fiction on You Tube and Plainsounds websites.
Colin Bell - (Manchester City) - I was an assistant referee when Rochdale FC played Manchester City in the days of A and B teams. I gave a throw in to Rochdale and the City contingent all shouted 'our ball', it's what footballers do, except for Colin Bell who said 'The Linesman was right'. What an honour to get approval from such a great player, and furthermore he was transfered to City from Bury FC who have a Claim To Fame themselves holding the record 6-0 for the highest FA Cup Final win of all time. The game took place on April 18th 1903 and Bury were the first Club to win the cup without conceding a goal in all the rounds. Interestingly enough the game was held at Crystal Palace as the FA Cup did not move to Wembley until 1923. Quite amazing to think Bury once won the FA Cup at all.
George Best. Amazingly I have actually played football against George Best. I was playing for the Grapes against Slack Alice in a nightclub challenge match. Best was clearly man of the match helping his side to a 4-3 victory. After he had left 5players on the deck with an open goal to slide the ball in I ran into the goal with the intention of diving across to save his shot, (in those days you didn't get sent off for deliberate handball) George swivelled round and instead of the obvious he belted the ball towards me and as I stuck out my leg the ball went in between my leg and the post - At that point I had failed to stop him score the winner and realised what a genius he really was. I did not get his autograph that day as it seemed inappropriate but I had it in the aforementioned autograph book from 1968. The night club game was played around 1975/6 and was reported in the News of The World. It was around the time between Best playing for Fulham and The States. Sadly I missed the NOTW photo by about a yard. Saw him several times previously at The Cliff where training took place. Only about 400 yards from our house. Mike McLoughlin, a fellow altar boy at St.Boniface's became a personal friend of George Best and I believe is mentioned in a book somewhere, possibly in an Autobiography.I was filmed once coming out of the Cliff and that clip appeared in a Documentary on George Best but sadly this was broadcast in the pre-video days. It may still be in circulation somewhere.You can't miss me, I went back in and out again just to make sure I was filmed, so, I'm the one you see coming out twice. Well I wouldn't be Claim To Fame Man would I if I didn't get noticed !
The picture is taken from A swedish paper and is in the public domain.
Alan Beswick the Radio and TV presenter introduced The Holy Cross Folk Group at Preston Guildhall as part of a Banardos Charity Concert and couldn't resist making reference to actor Len Fairclough, my namesake. This concert was video'd which was a novelty at the time. In fact Dixon's had to duplicate the tapes as they were not yet in every household. We bought our first VHS recorder at £600 shortly after this and it cost 3 times more than the average machine, but it did have editing, stereo and many other advanced features. I used this machine to edit many of my early films using crash editing techniques and audio dubs.Despite the quality of the machine these features were hard to get until the PC opened up a new world of video making.
Josh Blinkhorn - Stalwart member of The Huddersfield Music Scene (HMS). Sound engineer and Singer Songwriter. Supported The Beautiful South. I shared a table with Josh at Geoff and Marjorie's Ruby Wedding., i.e. Josh's parents and my record collecting aficionado and former work colleague. I'll never forget my first staff match as a teacher. I scored a cracking header in the kick about and Geoff said I'd turn a few heads. Ten minutes into the game I scored a cracking own goal with my head as I tried to intercept a cross. I shouted to Geoff 'What 'were you saying about turning heads' to which he replied 'That will turn them back again'. For those that don't know about these games it was a football, cricket or rugby match in which the pupils played the staff. It took place in the good old days before Health and Safety took over. Mind you it was a good opportunity for teachers to get their own back on the young ruffians and let's be honest, a few pupils got their own back aswell with the odd 'Chopper Harris' tackle but everyone shook hands at the end.Where did it all go wrong ?
David Blott - My college Lecturer built the Talbott Vidd (Anagram of his name) Harpsichords and also stood in for an Eastern Block State Orchestra to sight read the Four Seasons from figured Bass at about two hours notice. He was highly praised for his musicianship.He was also instrumental in founding the Lancashir Chamber Orchestra and also played in the Manchester Camerata. He certainly inspired me although if he found out we played 12 bar blues on the college Harpsichord I think he would have gone beserk. Incidentally, the word Beserk comes from the Vikings whose invaders were led out of the ships by the Beserkers who were basically Mad Blokes who went in first to scare the opposition, hence going beserk.
Paul Bowles. Professional footballer with Crewe Alexander and cousin of Stan Bowles,Manchester City and QPR played in my school team when I was captain. He also visited our school to do some coaching as a member of the Manchester United Sport in the Community Programme.
Lee Bracey - (Goalkeeper,Bury FC, Ipswich Town and Halifax to name but a few) I was assistant referee for many a game with Lee Bracey in goal but one game in particular gave me a bit of notoriety. It was a pre-season friendly between Radcliffe Boro and Bury. During a long injury the ball ended up close to me and was not recovered during the delay. Normally assistants are not allowed to kick the ball as it is against protocol. On this occasion being a friendly and there was no assessor, I was asked by the Bury keeper to kick it back to him. I belted the ball towards him but over hit it purely by accident , and, as the ball floated over his head I got a big cheer. As it was 25 minutes into a 0-0 the crowd were pleased to see the ball hit the net. So I have scored a goal against a professional keeper.
Billy Bremner - The Luvvers, Rockpile and The Rutles Guitar player. Met Billy at the Neil Innes Concert in Bury.Got the ticket signed and had a chat with him about Rockpile and meeting Barry Wom. Not to be confused with the legendary Leeds United Footballer of whom I have no claim to fame. I did ref once at The Leeds Training ground though so do have a Leeds connection and saw the Who at The O2 Festival in Leeds.
Bridgewater Hall, Manchester- The Home of the Halle was also the venue for Stockport Schools celebrate the Millenium. I took the stage with a 20 piece band and played a 10 minute set including the 'Digital Mobile Phone Number ' Glenn Miller spoof which got a few laughs and a comment in the authorities music magazine suggesting I gave a performance of irreverance and wit. I certainly took the pomp out of the event. Nothing new on that score. The laughs came when we had a live mobile instead of the traditional phone ring. The melody was basically an upside down version of Pennsylvania 65000 but we capped it off with Stockport 65000.
British Broadcasting Corporation. I appeared in the audience on The Big Questions with Nicky Cambell who gave me a chance to speak, Terry Christian, the great northern bloke, who I managed to give a CD to after the show and Dame Ann Leslie, who I didn't get to speak to were guest panelists. I was on throughout the show but only spoke briefly but this was at least National TV and gave me the set of the 3 biggies (BBC 1,2 and ITV) A great experience. (Live broadcast on 19/7/09). I also attended a Radio 4 show but stepped down to allow my Daughter a chance to speak.She did well representing the young and got the round of applause approval for her bit, which did mention her Dad.
BBC 3 - Well what a surprise. One night my son was casually watching BBC 3 on Freeview when a programme called 'Secrets of Super Brands' came on. The programme involved interviewing children at Beaver Road Primary School in Didsbury, Manchester. During a pan shot of the school corrider he realised the noticeboard in the background was one that he had helped make and put up in his role as apprentice joiner. Surely when his own business develops he can advertise 'As seen on TV'.
Brooke Bond - See PG Tips.
Broughton Cricket Club (Salford) Broughton CC is one of the oldest cricket clubs in the world. A game held in 1851 between the North and South was followed by Lancashire games and England games including appearances by W.G.Grace one of the greatest cricketers of all time. The Club played in the Manchester Association for many years and I represented the club on many occasions. Sadly the attached Rugby Club eventually got the upper hand and Broughton CC eventually folded although cricket games have still been held there over the years. Broughton played Lancashire in a celebration match to mark 150 years of the club. The history of the club is sparce and even wikipedia has limited info so research is needed for this once great club. It is believed that W.G. Grace autographed a wooden table at the Club but it's whereabouts are shrouded in mystery, probably because someone nicked it. If it appears on E bay rest assured it belongs to Broughton Cricket Club. I wouldn't be surprised if a few old score books exist aswell but may well have gone at the time the club folded. I will keep on the lookout in case they surface at a car boot sale in the area.
David Brown - (Football League Goalkeeper) - Played for several Football League Clubs inc Rochdale, Bury, Preston N.E. and Halifax Town. He played for Halifax, who were the 92nd League club against Manchester United in a Carling Cup game which was featured on TV. I met David on a parent craft course when our wives were expecting. Subsequently met at Church and all those McDonald's parties that that generation frequented. Lost touch when his family moved to Italy although he did appear at church once again on a visit.
Toby Buckland Broadcaster and Gardener, My son appeared with Toby on Granada Breeze in a feature called Kindergardeners. He asked him if the product was 'Tactile' which amused me as a 5 year was not really likely to understand that word. Of course he said it was but didn't have a clue.
Bury Referees Association - I was the member who coined the now well known phrase. 'Bury Referees, it's a place not a statement'. I used the line as my opening gambit during instruction courses. When I finished my instructing career I got a lovely letter from the FA thanking me for my 9 years service as an instructor when it was nearer 20 years and an enclosed token of their appreciation which was actually an empty envelope. I did mention it to my county and they assured me it would probably be sent on in a separate package. It never did arrive but to this day I wonder what the FA send out as a token of their appreciation. Sweet FA I suppose would be a conclusion.
Matt Busby the great Manchester United Manager. Got his autograph just after the European Cup win and is also available as part of the www.tradingnothing.com My great uncle lived opposite Sir Matt in Chorlton.
Buxton F.C. - Silverlands Stadium is the highest football ground in the country by altitude and I was assistant referee on two occasions.
The Buzzcocks. I helped carry the Buzzcocks amps at the St.Boniface Youth Club gig and chatted with Howard Devoto and Steve Diggle. I managed to take a couple of rare photos which I also traded with Andrew Henderson. I taught the daughter of the original drummer Steve Christie and revealed his name in the Record Collector earning the accolade of Letter of The Month. Never even got a box set for my efforts.
C
Julia Carling - Journalist and broadcaster. My daughter appeared with Julia Carling on Granada Breeze TV. She sang in a small group from St.Michael's Whitefield and was then interviewed by Julia who suggested she come round to our house to play with her birthday presents. She never did though.
Camel - See Dougie Ferguson
Chorley FM - The Radio station popularised by Peter Kay does, contrary to some ignorant views, actually exist. I have appeared on the James Blatchley Chorley Folk programme on two ocassions with Folk Duo Green Wood. In fact the first one was our Live Debut and the 'Manchester Angel ' Album was first broadcast on that station. The DJ is not only a nominee for nicest person on the planet but also a regular performer himself on the Lancashire Folk scene. Hopefully I will make another appearance or two with the revamped Green Wood.
The Chuckle Brothers. - Met them after a show when they did a signing of the programme. They were signing a picture of themselves in a helicopter cock pit and when I commented on it they said it took some doing landing that. I didn't believe them but it did make me chuckle a bit.
Mr.Clippy - '' I'm Mr Clippy and I draw clip Art for you''. In the great days of Acorn computers there was a program called Millenium Draw Works which was introduced by Mr.Clippy. At an Acorn User show at Wakefield I did a pathetic impersonation of Mr.Clippy and the guy behind the counter of the Draw Works stall did a brilliant impression to my embarrassment. I told him it was brilliant and he replied, it should be 'I am Mr Clippy'. What a honour to personally meet a computer legend. I already had draw works but invested in some of his other merchandise.
Wounded John Scott Cree His punk version of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer prevented the release of my Dad's 'Who painted Rudolph's Red Nose Blue'. I wrote to John Scott Cree and he sent a nice e-letter back saying that he had been turned down on a suggestion of a punk version of My Way - funny old world. This Claim To Fame has now been extended as I have just had a thank you from the Great man himself , thanking me for giving him a mention on the site. This is the first coming in the other way so it will be interesting to see if any other celebrities contact me.Thanks John, it is appreciated. I look forward to the day when celebrities will be nothing unless they are on my site.
Steve Connor - I was honoured to work alongside Steve Connor at Inscape, who is a Claim To Fame Man himself, having appeared in Coronation Street as The Duckworths' milkman - ''Semi Skimmed Mr Duckworth'' - I wonder how long that took to learn. He also played Spottyman in the touring stage show of Superted and was an oarsman in a Kylie Minogue Video. Steve also regularly appeared in the pantomimes at Fleetwood and I will never forget the professional way he signed an autograph after we set him up with a request from someone he didn't know. Steve was the sort of person who would dive into a stagnant pond in the course of saving someone who didn't need saving. This man is a real star ! We called him James Pond after the famous life saving incident.
Steve Coogan- Officially Opened our School and I wrote the welcome song and organised a special choir for the event. It was broadcast on Granada reports. I also met Steve before the performance and did the Claim to Fame handshake. I also made him chuckle with my usual banter. Quite nice making a comedian laugh.
Father Martin Cunningham - Ex- Irish International Rugby Union player. I was both his altar boy and later his church musician.He took a day off being a priest once to go the Races. When questioned he said he was away on a course.Well he was telling the truth. (See
D
Tony Dampier -Author of 'A Reckless Ride ' - My daughter used to have horse riding lessons with Tony and I enjoyed many an hours conversation with him as we walked along at the back of the sunday morning hack. He was a great conversationalist and a man who has clearly lived life to the full. I certainly gained a real insight into the Horse as a most important animal. This is his second book and I'm sure would be a great read especially for horse lovers.
Thurston Dart - The great Madrigal expert and editor was my college Lecturers Lecturer. (See David Blott) I hope some of this heritage has rubbed off in my compositions. I wonder if people sang sharp when Dart was around.
Billy Dainty- A great music hall comedian. My sister got his autograph for me at a show biz party she went to with a friend.The autograph was traded in the Anglo American Blues trade.
Deepdale - Home of Preston North End and the English Football Museum. I was Linesman for a Lancashire League game against Wigan A Team. Towards the end of the game the old burger trolleys were arriving for the big game in the afternoon and a ripple of applause came out as we finished. Sadly got changed in the community changing rooms so never got to walk down the tunnel.
Al Dickinson - I was compering a show in which Al was appearing and met him after the show for a brief chat about the Blues. Al is a singer songwriter who writes contemporary themed songs in the blues tradition. He has played with many well known bluesmen such as Honey Boy Edwards who himself is the last of the Delta Bluesmen. Honey Boy died in 2011 at the age of 96. Honey Boy was also connected to Robert Johnson regarded by many as the greatest blues singer of all time. I never dreamed that I would get a claim to fame link to Robert Johnson. Thanks Al and for those who like the Blues look up Al on Google -
Disabilities News and Views Radio. I appeared on this programme with Monica Wharton - Moshenko. Hilary Clinton had previously appeared on this station which featured two of my Autism songs and an interview. Monica is now travelling across the states to raise Autism Awareness.
Ken Dodd - Sent a hand written letter to my Dad rejecting a song. We also visited his house once in Knotty Ash to drop off a demo and manuscript. I have of course been called Ken Dodd myself a few times from the touchlines. The best comment I got was from Clitheroe spectators who not only sang 'Happiness' when I gave an offside but also one of them shouted 'is that a flag or a tickling stick'.
Doncaster Rovers- I was 4th Official for the Nationwide League Game at Gigg Lane between Bury and Doncaster in the early 1990's which was refereed by Alan Wilkie. (See Alan Wilkie)
Peter Donohue - (Virtuoso Pianist) Gave a recital at our training college before he hit the big time. Met him before the concert and took him the cup of tea before performance.
Fred Done (Bet Fred) - The Bonus King and gambling legend. I met Fred a few times when he visited Inscape House. His support of our special school was fantastic but I do not feel it appropriate to publicise that here as he is such a nice and genuine man. He has recently appeared on TV advertising his Bonus King offers. When he visited the school I couldn't resist asking what the odd's were on him turning up. Not a good bet as he is a man of honour and did turn up.
E
Chris Eccleston. (Dr Who) used to run through Worsley Woods. I saw him a few times and eventually gave him an invite to visit our special school. Chris has not been able to oblige but in fairness he is the Ambassador for Mencap so we have no complaint at all. Great Guy.
Mark Eden. Husband of Sue Nicholls, gave me a double Claim To Fame when he accompanied Sue to the 2008 Inscape Summer Festival. He is an accomplished Actor and is perhaps best known for his role as Alan Bradley who was hit by a tram in Coronation Street....actually the tram was in Blackpool.
Einstein Not really a Claim to Fame as such but many people have said I have an uncanny resemblance to the great man Einstein. Dont go off my home page picture as it is when my hair is longer. I expect many a person has seen the bust of Einstein at the entrance to Jodrell Bank and said 'what's Pete Adamson doing in here' ? A few football spectators have picked up on that one aswell suggesting I had used a calculator to work out the offsides. As if Einstein would have used a calculator anyway.
Yvonne Elliman (Mary Magdelan/Jesus Christ Superstar) I sent an e mail to Yvonne Elliman regarding Jon Lord's Gemini Suite and she replied personally saying a few people had enquired and hopefully it would be re-released,....it has been now.
John Entwistle (The Who) - I am the proud owner of a signed printed poster featuring the images of the Who as drawn by the great bass player. This was purchased at the MEN gig and was pre-signed.
Bill Evans - Flautist with Kevin Ayers Band. Bill probably wont remember me as he was a year above but I spent many a dinner time listening to his piano playing in the music room at St.Peter's Grammar School for Boys. 'Martha My Dear' was his party piece. Along with his sisters he also sang on the 1970's Cadbury Dairy Milk Advert. I was chuffed to bits when I got a higher music O' level than him but as he went on to greater things that proves nothing does it ?
Frank Evans - The English Bullfighter. My Wife ( an Entwistle song title by coincidence) succeeded Margaret Evans as Deputy Headteacher at Ascension School in Salford. Frank's bedroom furniture company also fitted our bedroom furniture. Frank won an award to services to Bullfighting and surprised everyone with a comeback in his mid 60's despite a new knee.
Eyam - Derbyshire. Known as the Plague Village.A parcel of clothes was taken from London to Eyam thus spreading the plague.The Rector William Mompessan was instrumental in stopping the plague spreading. Mary Palgrave Turner (my Aunt Molly by marriage only) was a descendant of Mompessan and inherited a small painted portrait which was left to the people of Derbyshire in her will. My Mother was executor and our family took the miniature to the Rectory at Eyam in 1965 and handed it to the Rector. In 2006 we revisited Eyam to see the portrait and it couldn't be found - A mystery indeed. I still own a copy of the will containing this artifact.See also Mary Palgrave Turner who is a Claim to Fame herself. The story of Eyam was eventually turned into a Musical called 'Ring of Stones' and I have met several of the cast and co-writer Eddie Brierley who is Head of Drama at my former school. My two children also attended the school so I met him on numerous ocassions such as parent's evenings and shows.
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