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Digby Fairweather - Jazz Musician and BBC Jazz club presenter, Formerly Young Jazz Musician of the year. Worked with Digby on the Jazz College course for teacher's and later their students. Digby had a word with me and said I needed to think horizontally rather than vertically. He was refering to my chordal thinking rather than my melodic playing. I was always a chord structure person which probably accounts for my being a rhythm guitar player and musical arranger of block harmonies. It's a pity my Digby Fairweather and John Thomson Claims to fame didn't coincide as I would have got a 'Nice' or even two.
F.C.United of Manchester - I was assistant referee in the first ever League game of this newly formed breakaway club in the North West Counties League Division 2 against Padiham FC. The crowd of over 3,600 was certainly my biggest crowd and they even sang to me to the tune of Quantanamara - ''One Freddy Boswell, There's only one Freddy Boswell, One Freddy Boswell,There's only one Freddy Boswell.'' Naturally I gave them a little wave and got a big cheer.I was assistant referee for other games involving the club which are refered to under football club or ground headings. I got appointed to the Cup Final that year and they never made it so the crowd of 200 could have been 4,000 had they have got through. That final was played at Trafford F.C and was between Flixton and Winsford - that being the nearest I ever got to Old Trafford, apart from watching of course. FC United's first season was well documented and naturally I can be seen on the line in their end of season review which was released on DVD. I used one or two of the match photographs for my singing referee you tube slide show.
Vanessa Feltz - Broadcaster, During the 2000th Weakest Link (BBC Show) Vanessa who was in the show came and sat down on the empty seat in front of me during a break. We had a little chat and she kindly signed my ticket. A very friendly person with a good sense of humour.Amazingly I never made it onto screen that day because of where I was sat - square on to Basil Brush (see Basil Brush) and when we were asked to stand round in a circle at the end of the show I was probably the only person out of camera shot in the whole of the audience. I suppose my voice was on TV as I said with everyone else 'Happy 2000th' or words to that effect. Come to think of it my clapping must be on there aswell and I'm pretty sure I was first in on at least one occasion.
Darren Ferguson - Footballer and manager. I was assistant referee for Darren's farewell game from Manchester United Reserves when they played Bury F.C. in a mid season Friendly. His Dad Sir Alex Ferguson was stood behind me during the game but I didn't get to meet him afterwards. Sir Alex also turned up at Inscape Cheadle to present a mini bus to the children but I missed that exciting moment by a day. I was teaching there the day before. Oh well, another one for the near miss section.
Dougie Ferguson - (Bass Player with Rock Group Camel) In my first teaching post (St.Joseph's, Heywood) I went into the class one day and played a recording of Camel from BBC's Sight and Sound series. I told the class they would not know the band as they were a bit college cult. Ann Marie Ferguson piped up: ''That's Camel from Sight and Sound last Saturday''. How do you know that ? said I. 'Dougie Ferguson's my brother'. She even told me about the Gold discs at the house. Never got a stage pass though. After Camel split Ann Marie said something about Head Waiter which I thought was his new job in catering. Turned out that was the band he went into.Camel had a lot of success in the 1970's and 80's including appearances on 'The Old Grey Whistle Test' and multi million album sales with 'The Snow Goose' by Paul Gallico. When I showed a great interest in the story my Mum produced a first illustrated edition of the book which is now a feature of my book collection.
Cyril Fletcher - The Odd Ode man from 'Braden's week' and 'That's Life' was accompanied on Piano for his stage show by my College Lecturer Colin Martin, an accomplished Musician and my teaching mentor at College. Mr Martin ocassionally turns up as an adjuducator at Music Festivals.
The Flintlocks Decca recording artists of the 1960's.One of my Dad's demo's was recorded by the group who also covered 'What Goes On' by The Beatles. The demo has been submitted to Sounds of The 60's so another watch this space. The song was called 'The Oasis' about the Manchester Night Club. The Oasis band it was thought were named after the Club but apparently the name came from a poster in Swindon that the group had seen. A School Academy in Salford has adopted the Oasis name but I doubt it was named after my Dad's song or even the group. Probably trying to look good in an educational desert.
George Formby- The legendary Lancashire Lad of cleaning windows fame sadly died in 1961 when I was only 7 years old, well before my claim to fameness began, so the chances of a George Formby claim were fairly limited. However, the name Formby was adopted from the Lancashire town where I have been an assistant referee a few times. I also, until I get a decent offer, own an original George Formby 78r.p.m. record but to top this a man came round to do the roof and noticed my Gitalele. It triggered a conversation on the various mini guitars and ukelele's knocking around and he revealed that he was a member of the George Formby Society, so a bit far from a real claim but another link in the all in it together theory. I will leave jokes about grills to Peter Kay and just keep my Gitalele in my hand from now on.
Bill Foulkes - I met the Manchester United Centre half at the football show in Manchester when he was working for the Japanese FA in their World Cup bid. I shook his hand and had a chat and he gave me a World Cup lapel badge. I got his autograph previously in the aforementioned autograph book. Bill Foulkes played in the 1968 European Cup Final when Manchester United defeated Benfica 4-1 and scored a rare goal in the semi-final against Real Madrid which proved to be the winning goal sending United into the Final at Wembley.
Friends Reunited - Many a former pupil has put references to me on this old school tie site. But, just for the record, I was not responsible for hitting a colleague with a rounders bat in a staff match. I was having a choir practice at the time as it was close to a public performance. Otherwise I would certainly have represented the staff in the staff match. Of course with Health and Safety these days many staff matches are no longer allowed in case a member of staff gets injured or perish the thought, kicks one of the students for disrupting a lesson in a calculated mistimed tackle, supported of course by an unbiased teacher referee. One staff match I played in got a really good comment. I was asked to play in a charity staff 5 a side. I fished around for some kit and could only find an all red football shirt from days gone by which highlighted my middle aged development, Red 1970's shorts, and a pair of referee socks. Black with white tops. I entered the arena to show the kids that music teachers could turn their hand to a bit of football demonstration. A voice piped up 'oh look it's Father Christmas in his under wear'. While everyone was laughing the ball was thrown in and I hit it first time straight into the back of the net. I was right chuffed with that goal.
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James Galway (Flautist) - I opened the door to the stage when he gave a concert at Padgate College. He came on stage late because he wanted to finish his game of cards. My sister has worked with his brother George on many occasions and he is very professional I believe.
Vin Garbutt the North East Folk Legend. Highly Strung Supported him at a Gig in Blackburn.
Gigg Lane - Home of Bury FC - I have officiated at three cup finals at Gigg Lane, home of Bury FC, not to mention my role as 4th official. One friday morning I had a lie in and was suddenly called up at 10.50 to be a linesman in a 1st v reserves training session as Andy Preece wanted to know why the team were getting an abnormal number of cards. The game was 3 x 30 minutes and because of all the hanging round between 3rds I had to leave before the end due to a doctors appointment. There can't be many officials who have asked if someone could finish the game off for them. The club were very understanding as I was called in late.
Joe Gladwin - Last of the Summer Wine and Hovis Advert Voice over was a friend of my Dad who he knew through church and the Catholic stage guild.
Glossop North End F.C. - Glossop are reputed to be the first team in the world to ever register their kit as all white. A former football league club between 1898 and 1915. I have been assistant referee on many ocassions and refereed a reserve game at the ground. The local fanatical support has always been there to admire.
Granada TV. - I appeared in 'Who wants to be a Referee' ? Documentary discussing training and attitudes towards refs.One of the main parts I hasten to add. My referee song was recorded for the program but was later dropped for a sequence featuring Luigi Collina but probably because they didn't want to pay royalties.See Steve Coogan for other Granada TV appearance. I did make one other appearance on Granada but this comes comes under the 'don't mention that' category. I was walking out of Victoria station one evening and saw a film crew filming a couples' farewell kiss. naturally I had to get in the background so I walked passed but made a fundamental error- I looked at the camera. I don't know if it was my fault but they said retake. I went back and on the second ocassion I just walked passed without my first indiscretion. Several months later I saw the clip of myself which was used for the programme trailer. Sunday night 9 o'clock. After phone calls a plenty, including my Mother, everyone I knew was tuning in. Oh dear ! I can't print here but suffice to say use your imagination from the following words - couple and bath. Sorry Mum !
Green Goddess - Not to be confused with Diana Moran the Green Goddess of the morning breakfast TV fitness regime. No, I'm refering to the Green Goddess Fire Engines that graced our streets durinmg the 1977 Fireman's strike. I've just met one of the drivers of these celebrated vehicles none other than Phil Donnelly our ICT guru. I've known Phil for a few years and he has mended many a laptop including my wifes' so the claim to fame here is very close to the truth.Phil was a member of the HMS Courageous Society formed among our service stalwarts. I'd best be good to him as he is probably a trained killer.
Jason Grimshaw (Actor Ryan Thomas) Another Coronation St. character. I was driving through Cheadle one Saturday when I let a four wheel drive car out from a side street.The driver kindly thanked me with a nice wave. I have to say I didn't recognise him but my son who was in the car laughed and said 'that was Jason from Corrie - another Claim To Fame Dad' - A near miss or a claim ? Well as I was involved in an activity, ie letting him out from the side street coupled with his acknowledgement makes it a little more than a sighting, because of the said involvement, it is in my official criteria definately a claim. The fact I didn't recognise him at first is important because if you ever read this Ryan, remember I let you out because I'm a nice chap and not because you are in Corrie. You may have enough money to buy a big car but in road terms and humanity me and my little rover 25 are equal in the global structure of things.Maybe one day another motorist will let me out and boast to their friends that Claim To Fame man thanked them for letting him out, and that would be called Karma. Hopefully it would be because they were courteous road users and not doing it because of my fame.
Ryan Giggs. I might have refereed Ryan Giggs when he played for Dene Sports.He was about 14 at the time but I remember an outstanding player then called Ryan. His team won 7-0 with him playing a major part in the victory.(this cannot be verified unfortunately) I have been assistant referee when his brother Rodri has been playing on more then one occasion. Shook his hand after the game despite him being cautioned for having a go at my off side decision. Rodri was regularly off side though so confident I was right.
Giant Haystacks. I met Giant Haystacks at St. Bonifaces Church. The Parish Priest introduced him as Martin Ruane, his proper name, and I saw him at church regularly. He, in the Chariots of Fire mode would not wrestle on a Sumday. He really was a Gentle Giant and a good Catholic.To add to this claim I found out later that he lived at the other end of the street parrallel to where I lived for a year after we got married. Many years after meeting the Giant I found myself teaching guitar to his wife Rita.
Goodison Park Everton F.C. - Appeared there twice as assistant referee in ESFA Cup Final U15 and FA Youth Cup Quarter final between Everton and Sheffield United.
Gospa Oratorio - I have performed on stage with two members of Gospa Oratorio, an outstanding vocal ensemble epitomising the Catholic Choral tradition.
Bob Greaves - Granada Reporter and presenter said 'Hello' to me at the end of midnight mass at St.Bonifaces. I was an Altar Boy at the time so it must have been a long time ago.
Jeremy Guscott - England and Bristish Lions International Rugby Player. We went shopping one day and saw a commotion in Prestwich Village.Turned out to be Jeremy doing a sponsored walk for charity. Sedgley Park Rugby Club was next point of call so naturally we got an autographed picture as he went past. My son played for Sedgley Park Under 9's before taking up football.
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Mike Harding became a qualified teacher but singing took over. My sister was on the same course as him. Sent him a tape once and got the standard reply.
Rolf Harris. Met Rolf at Macclesfield at a post show signing. I had three CD's with me and he signed the lot which at 1.00 am in the morning was very impressive. A true legend . I requested permission from his management to duplicate his song words for Inscape and they kindly donated an autographed picture and 2 CD's. Inscape House is hoping to record some Rolf songs on a forthcoming CD.
Harry from McFly and winner of 'Strictly Come Dancing' TV show signed my son's drumsticks and also said he'd read about me in Smash Hits - See McFly.
Harold Hassell -Professional Footballer , Bolton Wanderers and England. Harry as he was known at college was my football coach at Padgate College for the Curriculum group sessions. He gave me a kot of good ideas which I applied in my teaching during my managerial years.
Harry Hill Have just found a clip for YBF. Watch this space for a Claim. Harry Hill has appeared as a cartoon in my video of 'Comic Characters' which was given approval from comic makers D.C.Thomson Ltd.
Hedgehog Pie - were at the fore-front of the electric folk movement. Peter Avery, my old school chum was support act to them at Leeds University and sang 'Messages' which was one of my songs. Pete has since gone on to great things in the education world.
Warren Hegg (Cricketer, Lancashire and England) Warren Hegg's Father Kevin was no 1 batsmen at Broughton. I played on the same team as Kevin on many occasions and when Warren was born I saw him at the cricket club as a baby. Years later his Mum market researched me and then he bought a house 3 doors away from us in Whitefield. He never lived there as I think it was a business thing but when the house was sold I had a chat with Kevin as he was helping with the move. (See also Broughton Cricket club). One great memory of Kevin Hegg was seeing Peter Lever bowl him out first ball in a Lancashire celebrity match. Kevin was the club hero so it was upsetting to see him go first ball but it did show the gap between pro cricketers and the top amateur end. As I was a leg spin bowler Kevin got a few wickets for me by caught behind or stumpings and he was a great source of advice for my off the wall bowling style.
Steve Heighway - Liverpool Footballer and scorer of an FA Cup Final winning goal against the legendary Bob Wilson. Steve was manager of the Liverpool Academy side on two ocassions when I refereed them at Lower Gigg against Bury. When I mentioned his famous goal the young lads seemed oblivious to his status in the global structure of football history. Naturally I shook his hand and yes, despite the professional guidelines sneeked an autograph when no one was looking. Not something I did very often, Nobby Stiles being the only other ocassion. Funny thing though, Steve never asked for mine. Neither did Nobby.
Pete Heywood (Record Producer, Musician) My daughter's boyfriend in fact is a member of Black Jackson Band, also worked as an engineer on a Hollies album and was formerly a member of Stereotype X, a Manchester Rock Band. Also engineered and mixed 'The Manchester Angel' debut album by Green Wood. The claim has just got bigger as Pete is now destined to become my son-in-Law next year (August 2012)
Ronnie Hilton - The famous singer of 'Windmill In Old Amsterdam' sent my Dad a personally signed letter and although it rejected the song it said he would welcome other submissions which my Dad always said was a good sign in the song plugging market place. Mind you he would have been better with something not about 'A Rat in A Lighthouse in Old Rotterdam' I suspect.
The Hollies -See Pete Heywood. I visited The Hollies convent school once but I don't think that counts as a Hollies Claim to Fame unless of course they took their name from the school. Quick Google called for......(5 minutes later)......no it was Buddy Holly.
Kevin Hood - Kevin appeared as Emo in The Lancashire Hot Pots video. Not only a former pupil of mine but even dropped by to sign this websites guestbook. See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xilOgjeEwPg&feature=related to watch Kevin. You can't miss him, he's dressed somewhat like Dennis The Menace.
Robin Hood - I have impressed many a person with my family heirloom of Robin Hood's Autograph. Is it on a piece of Greenwood Tree or maybe an Oak ? they ask Their amazement dwindles when I tell them it's on a piece of pink paper in an autograph book and I got it at Eurodisney. Suddenly the 6 figure selling sum on e bay becomes 'does anyone want Robin Hood's autograph'? Maybe Kevin (see previous entry) has one passed down in his family.
Paul Hopkins - My former History teacher not only game me someone to model my teaching on but went on to great things as a Headteacher earning himself an OBE. In my opinion very justified as he was what us kids would call a 'top man' - and that is to his credit as he scared us all close to death. Maybe that's why he was such a good teacher. Today it would be called respect. In my days it was good old Catholic discipline without the beatings. Yes he was tough without hitting anyone and that was Skill and Psychology mixed together. May he have a long and happy retirement. Incidentally, we called him Mr. when we were six miles away from the school and it has took me great courage to put 'Paul' on this website.. I'm now worried he may knock on my door and tell me to change it to Mr.
Eddie Hopkinson - Bolton Wanderers and England Goalkeeper - My bathroom was sold to us by the great goalkeeper's son Paul Hopkinson and our unslammable toilet seat is the envy of the neighbourhood. I hope his Dad's skill was passed on so that he could save something for us, like a few quid.
Keith Hopwood (Hermans Hermits) worked for the GPO at Gorton with my Dad. The night before 'I'm Into Something Good' was released my Dad went round to Keith's house and he gave him a single, not autographed unfortunately. He never saw him again as work at the GPO suddenly stopped. A cousin of mine told me that Peter Noone went round to our house regarding a demo but this was not confirmed. I was certainly out if that happened as I think I might just have remembered that one.
Catherine Howard - Hard to believe I could have a claim to fame about someone who was beheaded in 1541 by non other than Henry V111. However a casual chat at work with Angie Korchinsky (that name doesn't give much credability to heritage) revealed that she was a descendent of the Howard's Family and consequently had various links and references in the 'Debrett's Peerage & Baronetage' publication which includes all things heriditary in the upper echolens of social circles.So there you have it, I have met someone of direct descendancy to The Tudor Aristocracy, although it has to be said that Catherine Howard was listed as a commoner at the time.
Lindsay Hoyle - (MP for Chorley) - I first met Lindsay Hoyle when the Chorley Buskers played at a Labour Local Election winning party and later at a similar function when they lost. I met Lindsay again at The Big Questions when he was in the audience and had a chat afterwards. He was elected Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons and consequently by tradition presided over the first budget of the 2010 Coalition Government which received massive TV and media coverage because of it's tough measures.
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Neil Innes, the 5th Python and musical brain behind the Rutles.I met Neil twice after concerts when he did the meet the audience.He appreciated my comments about seriousness mixing with comedy after he sang a song about absent friends which for me was the highlight of the night.
The Internet- On many occasions this website has appeared on 'Im feeling Lucky' on Google making me the world's number one pmadamson. Apparently this website has been ranked at 24.5 million by I don't know who and subsequently 13 million.
Sir Henry Irving - The first actor to be Knighted sent a letter to my great uncle which was passed on to me by my Mother as a 21st Birthday Heirloom present. It is actually written by his secretary and signed by him which is how this pre-computer age worked. It's got a nice penny red Victorian stamp on the cover.
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Jennifer James - Actress, (Geena from Coronation Street) attended St.Edmund Arrowsmith School in Ashton in Makerfield when I was Head of the Performing Arts Dept.. I may have taught her music and she was probably in the Primary Liaison concerts and the school shows which I was involved in. If nothing else Geena would not have escaped my legendary Elvis like riffs at assembly as mentioned on Friend Reunited.
Elton John -Two of my former teaching colleagues appeared on the balcony when Elton John filmed Pinball Wizzard for the Tommy Film. They were both students at the time but neither knew the other was at the same University until I claimed them. I also have a rejection slip from Elton John's management, although he probably knew nothing about it. Still it's his loss. He could have had an extra hit. It was a song about a snooker player called 'Pocket Man'.
Jilted John - I taught the legendary songster's nephew at Hollingworth High School, Milnrow. Who can ever forget that immortal line, 'Gordon is a moron' and mentions of chip shops which just didn't happen in songs until then.
Juggling - Our school site manager is a man of many talents and has much knowledge on a variety of subjects. Apart from owning a Windmill, and he's the only person I know who does, he was also part of a Guiness Book of Records entry for the most number of people Juggling at once.He also plays the spoons but was never a stirrer. Keith Taylor is a legend of the highest magnitude.
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Ross Kemp - Was guest of honour at the opening of Springwood School, Salford where my wife teaches. The event was recorded by staff cameras and I got the job of editing it and putting it into a saleable product. I even wrote a song about the opening mentioning Ross Kemp's role and naturally a copy was sent to him.
Alan Kennedy who scored the winner in a European Cup Final for Liverpool against Real Madrid in 1980/81 season. Had a chat with him after a Charity football match when I was assistant referee. Radcliffe High School Old Boys v All Stars. He also signed the programme.
Myles N.Kenyon -The Myles N. Kenyon Cup, popularly known as the Kenyon Cup is an amateur cup competition held for teams playing in Amateur Leagues in and around Bury,Manchester, England and is named after the former Lancashire captain and batsman and High Sherriff of Lancashire, Myles Noel Kenyon. The final is often played at Gigg Lane, the home of Bury F.C. I was assistant referee to non other than future League assistant referee Nick Greenhalgh, with his Dad, Keith on the other line in season 2006-2007 and I refereed the final the following year between Old Standian's and Little Lever which ended with a 4-5 penalty shoot out. Keith Greenhalgh amd Martin Collinge were assistant referees.
Noreen Kershaw - Actress and director. Played Kathy Roach in Channel 4's Brookside (1988-1990) and been a star of the long running Granada TV sitcom, Watching. Noreen has directed episodes of the top rated soap opera, Coronation Street, as well as Channel 4's comedy drama, Shameless, ITV1 series Emmerdale and Heartbeat. I have met Noreen on numerous ocassions when supporting the Hurdles Charity. Noreen has supported many of these events to help children with various disabilities.
The Kinks. I briefly appeared with the Kinks when they recorded Soap Opera at Granada TV which was broadcast as a late night Drama. I was sat behind the kitchen sink and when Ray Davies does that scene a very brief outline of my 'dandelion in winter' hairstyle can be seen. I also met a teaching colleague who was in the same lift as the Kinks in a London Hotel.I also have 2 signed CD's from Dave Davies but these were special postal offers. The signatures are different though so seem authentic.(ie similar but not mass printed) (See also Ray Davies and The Kinks in near misses).
Ben Kingsley, My Father appeared in 'Hard Labour' as a walk on extra. Bernard (yosser Hughes) Hill was also in this Salford Life Film.
Kirsty (Howard) - The face of the Francis House appeal. I played several concerts at Francis House, some with Highly Strung and others with the children from St.James' High School, Cheadle. At one such concert I was introduced to Kirsty who was in the audience and at that time Kirsty had just been selected to be the face of the campaign to raise funds for the hospice. I even got a sneak preview of the photos that were going to be used in the publicity material which was about to be launched. Cutting edge or what ? Kirsty was a true inspiration but with the likes of the Beckams meeting her my role is quite insignificant but I think she enjoyed our concert.
Margaret Knight - (Harpist) I was privilaged to be present during one of Margarets' Music for Hospitals Concerts at Inscape House,Salford and made her the welcoming coffee. This was before I found out that Margaret once played the part of Kylie Minogues' Hands for a video involving Kylie playing the harp. Clever what technology can do these days.
Alan Knill - Bury Manager and International player. Met Alan in a butty shop and he had a chat as he remembered me from a Lancashire League game and 4th official games at Gigg Lane. Had a chat about forthcoming game against Manchester United. I think he was a bit miffed that the fixture hadn't been reversed to Old Trafford but I suppose the Board hoped Gigg Lane may have been a leveller. I think United won 5-1 but will need to google this one.
The Krankies - My daughter met the Krankies after a concert and got me a signed dedication on the Fan Dabi Dosey CD. Oh the memories of those old childrens TV shows. She had not heard of them until I told her of their status in TV Folk Lore.
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Lancashire Amateur Football League - (LAL) Founded in 1899 and still going strong. The League includes Old Boltonians whose current ground at Chapeltown is regarded as the Oldest football pitch in the world. Not only have I refereed on that pitch but was made a vice President of the League, an honour of which I am truly proud. The League has a high level of good practice, football and sportsmanship.
Lancashire Life. My photo appeared in Lancashire Life the same week as I appeared in Smash Hits. I reckon I must be the only person in the Universe to have appeared in such diverse publications simultaneously.
Michael Lavelle or Kevin Webster from Coronation Street played for Oldham Hulmeians football team against Little Lever FC in the first Open Age Game I refereed in the Lancashire Amateur League. At half time an opponent shouted ' Hey you off Corry, it's half time not the adverts' I liked that one. Got his autograph in my refs notebook after the final whistle.It seemed the thing to do at the time. Naturally I told him it was for my wife. saw him again at Lymm Football Club a few years later when I was refereeing on the next pitch. He acknowledged me as I went back into the changing rooms with a nod.
Denis Law. I got Denis Law's autograph at The Cliff and he asked me to open the gate for him.What an honour.
Live at Leeds (Who Album) - Peter Phillips one of my former headteachers played for Orrel Rugby Club and Lancashire at Rugby Union but was also in the crowd for the Who's Live at Leeds concert. Jealousy is not a good attribute but what can you do. An audience picture recently appeared in record collector so watch this space to see if the claim can be extended.
Ivan Lewis MP - (A junior minister in the Foreign Office under Gordon Brown) Got a picture shaking Ivan Lewis' hand at a summer fair. He was introduced to me. He later helped us avoid a parking ticket for a disabled bus which had been misadvised on where to park. We won the appeal.
Tony Lewis - The world's number one Robbie Williams Tribute act. I refereed Tony Lewis when he played for Leigh Athletic. He was being filmed at the time for the 'The one and only' TV show that launched his career so naturally I ensured wandering about in the background to maintain my Claim To Fameness. For more information click the link. http://www.tonyasrobbie.co.uk/
David Lloyd -(Cricketer and Accrington Stanley former player) Was assistant referee when one of David Lloyd's sons, Ben, was playing for Rossendale United F.C. David Lloyd became a politician after his cricketing days and gained a place on the local council in Accrington where he has promoted his former club.David's other son, Graham David also became a professional cricketer.
Jim Lowe - Guitarist with The Invictors, Bolton's Top Rhythm and Blues band. Jim later went on to play lead guitar in the Manchester production of 'Hair' before entering Education as a peripatetic guitar teacher. I met Jim at Holy Cross Chorley in that capacity and his ability on Guitar was in a league above anything I'd ever met in person. I mentioned Substitute and out it came, Rodrigo's Guitar concerto - no problem. Jim joined the Chorley Buskers recording session for a day and added bass to La Russe to which both Buskers were indebted and honoured that such a top player would work with us. Jim also developed some very good young guitarists around the Lancashire region and furthermore he was such a modest and nice bloke. No need to be modest Jim, you are a top guitarist. Pete Lloyd's brother John once had a 12 string guitar with the JL initials etched onto the scratch plate. I acquired the guitar from Pete - Can't emember if I brought it or swapped it for some Who tickets but when I got my Eko Ranger 12 I passed it on to Jim so the etched initials were appropriate.What a coincidence.
Joe Lydon Rugby League International. Joe was waiting in the Foyer at BBC Manchester for an interview for Rugby Commentator. Alan Foster an avid Rugby fan and my cornet player spotted Joe and couldn't resist having a chat. Joe was very polite despite concentrating on his preparation for the interview. When Alan told him he played at Wembley in a Rugby International match Joe was very apologetic for not knowing or recognising him. I played Cornet at half time said Alan and I just split my sides laughing. Joe took it really well and of course that gave me two claims for the price of one.
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