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Macclesfield Town FC - I was assistant referee at New Mills v FC United played at Macclesfield Town.The game was played in front of 1,700 people and opened with a round of applause for George Best who passed away that week. (See also George Best)

Sarah Madden (Actress) - Worked with Sarah when she was an educational assistant. Gave her a lift on many ocassions before she moved on to greater things.

Tony Mallalieu (Footballer) Captained Wales Schoolboys and played for Manchester United before injury cut short his career. Later played for Altrincham and Stockport County. Became a PE teacher at St.Peter's (St.Monicas) in Prestwich. Took me rock climbing and managed the first X1   in my last season. Also nurtured Dave Ryan, Garry Hulme and Paul Bowles who all went on to football careers. I was first X1 captain in that last season. Paul and Dave became Football in the Community coaches at Manchester United. Tony not only played for United but was the longest serving teacher at the school when he retired. He was there so long he even taught both my children.  

Manchester's Coolest Teacher 2001. Yes I won that accolade and got a trip to the Smash Hits Poll Winners Party for myself and 35 pupils. We got a       mention from the stage and saw the likes of Gerri Halliwell, Blue, Westlife and many other forgettable hitsters. Oh What a night ! Pity we didn't get stage passes    but with all those girls it was probably just aswell. Also got interviewed Live on Key 103 and my piccy on their web site. I couldn't find the studio as I ended up     at Salford Quays when I asked where Key 103 was and got misdirected. I ended up doing the interview on my mobile in the car - parked in the Quays of course.  I remember as I was talking to the DJ seeing someone at the bus stop opposite and thought they wouldn't have a clue that I was live on air. Probably they were    not bothered anyway.

Manchester Phoenix Ice Hockey Team - My son had a themed birthday party at the MEN which included a special cake delivery by the  Manchester Menace, the Phoenix mascot, his name in the programme and a signed shirt along with meeting the players after the game. The camera also zoomed in on our party as it was announced in the Arena. That reminds me, I must get the shirt framed.

Manchester Radio Online - My Ovation Celebrity Guitar was used on Radio again for a Beat Fiction Live Acoustic session on the up and coming radio station on the web.. This is certainly the way things are going these days but the claim to fame didn't stop there. I was actually mentioned when the DJ asked the band about parental influences and lead singerJoe Marshall did not hesitate in pointing out Christian's Dad likes classic Rock such as the Who, which naturally led on to the Moonesque drumming of Christian. Not content with that I went to pick up the 'Conga' player  and found him in the Ducie Bridge,Manchester where I had an actual chat with The DJ Paul Holmes whose show with Beat Fiction was his first for the station. This of course introduces a new concept in the Claim To Fame field - Multiple claims. See how many you can count in this little adventure.

Manchester Reed Trio -  Met the trio at an Inscape Salford Music For Hospitals Concert. All members of the Trio have an impressive music pedigree which was reflected in the concert which was not only musical but theraputic. www.manchesterreedtrio.co.uk 

Manfred Mann, My first Gardener was Manfred Mann's Paperboy. If I ever publish a Claim to Fame book I think 'My gardener was Manfred Mann's Paperboy ' would have to be the title.

Brian May - During a Bad News concert Brian May of Queen walked past me to get to the mixing desk. Years later I composed some new words to Bohemian Rhapsody   and he requested I send him a copy. I did send a copy but never found out if he liked them or not.

McFly. I saw the band support Busted and immediately said they would be massive after I'd heard one track. I appeared in Smash Hits as their oldest Fan and met the lads at a signing in Liverpool. I felt a bit strange in the middle of millions of screaming girls but the band seemed to appreciate the fact that I was there for their music. The following week they waved to me at the switching on of Wigan's Christmas Lights. The girls were amazed this time, as note, they waved to me. Did pass on a version of  'Have a Good Time' and 'Rock and Roll Wedding' and Tom said he played it in his car.

Wilf McGuinness- Wilf McGuinness came to present a TV to our school and not only was I photographed with him but he sat next to me as I played Guitar and joined in. He also came to Bury Referees as a guest and remembered me from the previous encounter.A great entertainer and wit.Wilf is only one of two players to play for and manage Manchester United.

Gordon McQueen - Footballer, Scotland, Leeds United and Manchester United. My brother repaired Gordon McQueen's watch.

Ralph McTell - A work colleague at St Edmund Arrowsmith, Joe Hennessy let Ralph McTell kip down at his flat when he was first starting out on the music circuit. I got an autographed album of Ralph's when he supported the Everly Brothers at the Stockport Theatre.

Tony Mercer  of The Black and White Minstrels B.B.C T.V. show (recorded between 1958 and 1978 before it was banned on the grounds of being racist) recorded  one of my Dad's demo's.

Neil Midgely- Top Football referee presented our League Championship medals when I played for St.Sebastians.

Kylie Minogue - See Steve Connor and Margaret Knight. 

Bob Monkhouse - My brother repaired Bob Monkhouses's watch.

Colin Morris - Rugby League Referee. I met Colin at a football match when I was assistant referee to his son. Colin had quite a few claims in his capacity as a Rugby Ref and had no hesitation divulging them when I told him I was claim to fame man. I was so taken aback there was no way I could remember them so I asked him to write them down for me. At the time of writing Colin was the 4th longest serving senior Rugby League Referee. He refereed the first ever match on Sky TV (B.Sky B.) between Wakefield T. and Wigan. He was also the only referee to go a full 80 minute game in Super League without a penalty being given.The game was Halifax v Hull. In total he refereed 534 1st team games in Rugby League. Interesting point about the penalties. I was assistant referee in the North West Counties and in one game I suddenly realised I had not given one offside. As I was wondering if a record was on the cards some stupid forward raced ahead and sadly I was forced to raise the flag after 79 minutes. Maybe that is a record.

John Mundy - BBC Broadcaster (Look North West Tonight) and voice over artist. I not only met John Mundy who opened the annual Summer Fair at St.Michael's Whitefield but shared the advertising poster in my capacity as a Chorley Busker.

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NHS - Not an easy one to have a claim to fame for but I managed to burn my hands on some hot roast potato oil. On arrival at the burns unit they wanted a picture and it was decided to use them for training purposes. The photographer asked me to put my hand on the table and I obliged. He looked startled when I put the unburned hand on the table but laughed when I said it was my best side. So any trainee nurses out there you might just be looking at the very burned hands of Claim To Fame Man. I must take this opportunity of thanking the staff at the Wythenshawe Burns Unit and the Prestwich NHS drop in centre  because I was really well looked after and made an excellent recovery. I find it appalling when I read those notices warning people about abuse of staff when they do such a great job and rarely get thanked.

Nelson F.C - I was assistant referee at Nelson F.C. on many occasions. Sadly the Club ceased playing in 2010 after an incredible History. The Club were founder members of The Football League Div 3 North and won the championship in their second season 1922/23. A subsequent tour of Spain resulted in them beating Real Madrid 4-2 in May 1923. The Club also boast a 100% record against Manchester United. I have recently heard that the once great club may be making a comeback so best wishes to them. I was of course born on Trafalgar day (not 1805) so have a tenuous interest in Nelson but I wont Laud it. My Mum was a Nelson Eddy fan and actually recorded a song with him. Mind you it was singing along with a record, he didn't actually come round to our house for a sing song.

Gary Neville. -  Gary played in the Bury v Manchester United game at Gigg Lane,Bury F.C.  when I was assistant referee. I saw him again several years later when he presented the medals at The Manchester United Jersey Tournament when our team came last and won the sportsmanship award. I had a chat with him outside to see if he would include Inscape  for his forthcoming testimonial. I also sent him a letter via his Mum but sadly my enterprise didn't pay off. The money I believe is going towards something for the United supporters.

Jill Neville - Secretary at Bury F.C. who I met several times. Jill knew my face if not my name and when I turned up to purchase tickets, very rare in those days she gave me two Phil Neville signed pictures for my son who was attending a game for the first time. Unfortunately she had run out of Gary ones.

Neville Neville - Met Gary's Dad on numerous occasions when doing games at Gigg Lane. He often said Hello and recognised me because of my frequent visits including games not listed such as Lancashire League and YTS games.

Sue Nicholls - (Audrey from Corrie) Sue has agreed to support the children for the annual Inscape Summer Festival and has appeared personally to present the certificates to the children for three consecutive years.I feel honoured to have met Sue and cannot speak highly enough of her commitment and support for this special event for special children and to cap it all Sue has taken the time to send me 3 hand written letters to congratulate the staff and pupils.(These will be treasured possessions and will not appear on e bay). Sue even offered to give me a haircut but sadly I declined as I had to keep up the mattress head and mad professor look.

NME- For many years the New Musical Express dropped through our front door and even when I left home I picked up a copy at the newsagents. I've even got a copy of the NME Encyclopedia of Rock. I couldn't believe it when I recently found a few (note not all ) of my videos on their web site. I emphasise a few because they must have selected rather than just took them job lot off You Tube. Uncle Mac, Beige Brigade and Channel Hopping clearly linking to the growing old theme, while The Anglo American and World Recession Blues was in there as part of the financial crisis theme. What an honour to be associated with such a celebrated magazine enhanced by its dot comness.

Norman   - Norman is the central character in the Kink's Soap Opera which was shown on Late Night Drama. The Opera is about a Dreamer, A starmaker, a creator who thinks he is a real star but is actually in fantasy land. Ray Davis has never met me, but despite that, as Claim To Fame Man, I am claiming this character as mine. I am in a fantasy land, as the website proves, so to add to my Claims to Fame - I am Norman. As Ray Davies once wrote in Celluloid Heroes '' Everybodies a dreamer, everybodies a star, everybodies in showbiz, it doesn't matter who you  are ''                          

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Bill Oddie's  long lost cousin Neil worked at Breeze Hill In Oldham. I was Head of Music there in the early 1980's. Neil appeared with Bill Oddie in one of those tracing family tree programs. Neil certainly looked like Bill but it was only discovered in the program research. I once asked him if he was related and he said 'no, I wish I was'. I actually said at the time you look like you could be related so my thoughts proved correct.

Oldham Athletic v Southend Div 1 (Championship)  Held the subs numbers up in front of 6.000 fans who booed because Shaun McCarthy was being taken off. What a feeling of power. I actually made it look like number 6 was coming off and then flipped it over to 9. What a prankster I was. Of course I would have been stuck with the modern electronic scoreboards. The Oldham mascot came in and asked for the officials autographs. I suggested he didn't want mine but his Dad insisted he did. I told him it might be worth something one day but more likely for music than football. I'm still looking out on e bay for that one. The referee that day was Eddy Wolstenholme so not a bad day for an autograph. 

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Pancakes - Our school Catering Manager was a member of the team who once made the World's Biggest Pancake as verified in the Guinness Book Of Records.

The Patersons Folk Group were residents on The Morecambe and Wise Show. I met the lead singer Mary Paterson-O'Dowd who was in the same song competition as me at Ennis in Ireland. Her Grandfather was an Adamson so we had a really long discussion on heritage. At the time I thought the Scottish Presbeterians were far removed from the Lancashire Catholics but have since found out they were related because James 1st moved the Scots to Lancashire where they eventually converted around the 1610's. This was part of King James' attempt at unification of England and Scotland.

Tom Paxton -   What an amazing coincidence. Legendary USA singer songwriter (The Last Thing On My Mind, Going to The Zoo, Marvelous Toy and Jesus SRO to mention only a few) is appearing at The Lowry on the same day as The Inscape Summer Festival in 2010. Unfortunately, Tom is in Norwich the night before so will not be able to get to us early enough but kindly sent a personal e mail wishing us all the best and some complimentary tickets which will passed on to some lucky people. I purchased my own ticket and met Tom after the concert to personally thank him for the complimentaries, got my CD signed and the Claim To Fame handshake. Great concert Tom, thanks.

The Peep Show - 1960's Psychedelic rock band, The Single 'Mazy' is regarded as a classic from the era.The Band have had a compilation or two released in the new millenium. I worked with Maz, the wife of Guitarist Dave Cartright at Inscape and wrote a feature on the band in my Claim to Fame column long before the website was developed. Maz gave me a rare CD of the Mazy single which is now a treasured possession.The original vinyl sells at a minimum three figure sum due to it's collectability. The picture(s) can be removed on request if copyright is infringed.  

Gigi Perenacci - I was given an Italian FA badge by the man who took Denis Law to Italy.He only gave them out if you could say who he was but I had been tipped off by a friend. This was at the Cliff in Salford during an Italian FA tour of some sort. Also got his autograph.

Jon Pertwee opened our Local Asda store. I was last in the queue and had two tickets from Dr Who Live in my back pocket from the previous night.Naturally I was a genuine fan and he talked to me for around 15 minutes after they had shut the barrier. Got the tickets signed along with other photos that he had brought. Really nice to talk to and clearly loved the Dr Who role albeit tongue in cheek.I have been called Doctor Who myself being a Jon Pertwee lookalike.

Nigel Perrin - Original member of the legendary Kings Singers, sang on Captain Noah and His Floating Zoo. Was an adjudicator at Cheshire Music Festival at Victoria Theatre, Crewe, where the school choir had a bad first performance but Nigel kindly said the choir let down my excellent arrangement, praise indeed for my arrangement of Lincolnshire Poacher. I got him to sign my vinyl copy of Noah. The choir recovered for the second section and defeated an adult choir to take the Madrigal Cup. Nigel commented that he couldn't beleive it was the same choir. I think a run round the playground did the trick after being in the mini bus for a long journey. Despite the autograph it was a bad day for me because when I got back to Chorley I'd forgotten it was pay and display and got a £20 fine. Quite a lot in the mid eighties I hasten to add. Lucky I paid within 48 hours though or it would have been doubled The Council were not willing to let me off despite winning a Cup for the area which was taken out of another County. Whose bothered about a school winning a trophy for the area when you are the home of Chorley Cakes ?

PG Tips - Hard to believe I have a claim to fame for Tea but in my first teaching post I got the children to design some picture card series and when I sent off a selection to Brooke Bond I got a package back with loads of PVC chimp aprons and calenders. We had an assembly to present them to the lucky children. What happened to the picture cards I have to ask ? Brooke Bond incidentally began life in 1896 as  Tea Shop at 29, Market St. in Manchester. I must have stood on the very ground at some point as I must have been in every shop on Market St.  in my upbringing. Mr.Brooke opened the shop with his £400 savings and just sold basic tea, coffee and sugar while the 'Bond' name  was something that just sounded good to him. That of course is a shock to the system ruling out any possibility of him being part of the legendary Bond family consisting of Basildon, James,  Premium and Uni Bond. Incidentally ever wondered what PG stand for ? Well apparently, it stands for Pre-Gest as it's early marketing promoted drinking tea before a meal to prepare for digestion. The tips were that part of the tea plant that were used. PG was finally adopted after regulations prevented the use of pre gest when the hitherto claims were no longer accepted. Grocers had already started calling it PG before then. Until I looked all this up I hadn't noticed that the Brooke Bond had been removed from PG Tips packets. It is now part of Unilever. 

Mike Phelan (MUFC) Mike captained the reserves against Bury F.C. so naturally shook his hand prior to kick off. He was really nice guy and wished us all the best probably knowing that we didn't normally officiate at this high level. He is of course Sir Alex's right hand man now.

Gervase Phinn -  Author , After dinner speaker of the year, and raconteur was the guest speaker at a Hurdles event. I was the turn to wind the evening down and managed a few words and the Claim To Fame handshake. It was a long journey back to Yorkshire so he didn't stay but politely apologised and wished me well. I must say he was very witty and supportive of the Hurdles Charity. A great entertainer indeed. In December 2012 I supported Gervaise again with the Inscape Folk group. Ironically, he listened to us but I couldn't stay to listen to him. How weird.

Jean Pickles - A former work colleague of mine at Holy Cross, Chorley was the author of 'Learn about Chess' in the Ladybird Book series. Jean got me into Law O'level which I took as a teacher and got a 'B' based on reading the file on the train. Came in handy when I got a special needs parking ticket rescinded using the Disability Act of 1995 to argue my case.  On the subject of chess I represented Salford Chess Team in the Manchester Chess League at the age of 12 and earned a draw against an adult.I only played one League match so can claim to have an unbeaten record in the League. Still love the game and play ocassionally at Knight time.

Port Vale F.C. I was assistant referee at Norton United v FC United in the North West Counties Div 2 at what was once called The Wembley of the North. Also home of Robbie Williams' favourite team.

Postman Pat - Many years ago I was due to play at a Victorian Bazaar and was told to meet the organiser outside. He informed me he would be dressed up but I would recognise him. On arrival outside Chorley Town Hall I saw Postman Pat parading up and down. That must be Fred thinks I. I went up and said Hello and got no response. I congratulated him on his costume and still got no response.At that point I gave him a hearty clout on the head to which Pat, to the shock and horror of all the little kiddies, took his head off. I was very apologetic to Postman Pat especially when Fred walked round the corner dressed as a Town Crier. Oh Yeh ! at least I've met Postman Pat. Still waiting to meet Jess to complete the Claim.

Pot Noodle - Many years ago I was asked if I could spare 30 minutes by a woman in the street. Being a bit naive I went with her and she took me into a basement room which was very dark.I was quite worried at this point but then a bloke in the corner switched on the TV and I watched a pot noodle advert and then answered questions on it.At the end of the survey they asked if I wanted a bar of chocolate or a Pot Noodle.I opted for the Pot Noodle as they were new.When asked what flavour I wanted I said I didn't realise there were different flavours.That resulted in the advert being changed to include 3 flavours.I had changed history and was instrumental in kick starting that wonderful commodity that is Pot Noodle. 

Darren Poyzer - I was honoured that Darren played my sidekick at the Inscape Summer Festival in 2011. He added the professionalism to my amateur efforts. Darren is an accomplished singer/songwriter and has worked in parrallel to me  in his role as Music teacher at Delamere Forest School. Darren is quite capable of having his own Claim To Fame website but this would not be necessary as he is a living legend anyway. Not only is Darren superb at everything he does but he is also a great, genuine bloke and furthermore, A Falklands War Veteran and former Candidate for The Monster Raving Looney Party. A privilege to know him.

 Norman Prince from Radio Lancashire and The Houghton Weavers. He was a judge when I entered the Song For Salford competition with 'I wish I could Surf In Salford City'. He also introduced Highly Strung at King Georges Hall, Blackburn and gave us a hearty thumbs up as we came off stage. Another Charity Gala Concert.The song has now gone down in History as part of the Salford Music archive and was broadcast on Radio Manchester in the 70's. It was broadcast again in 2009 on Salford City Radio on a one from the archives feature.

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The Queen I've played before the Queen, trouble was, it was a week before .

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Radio Manchester (GMR) -  Have appeared on two phone-in conversations. The first on the football show to ask for a 5.30.p.m. resume of the day's results and subsequently changed the course of history. The second was a discussion on the name of the long headgear with a bobble at the end associated with night time. Not a nightcap said the DJ, that's a bedtime drink, so what is it called ? It's a stocking night cap. That said, does anybody know why such a thing ever existed unless it was to give someone some knitting practice.

Jean-Pierre Rasle -   The great French Piper and member of Jah Wobble and many other bands was playing at the Royal Exchange in Manchester with The Albion Band. I had a chat with him after the concert about Renaissance Music. Chris Bolton (Highly Strung Violinist) was very impressed with my ability to hold the great man in conversation for 20 minutes but I did point out that I studied Music to degree Level so not that impressive really. 

Amy Raynor -  Female football official. Was Amy's assistant in 3rd round of the FA Vase between Mossley and Nantwich. Amy was on the end of a famous Joe Royle verbal attack on women referees. I can't remember the exact words but it was something like 'There is a place for women in Football, making the tea'. Naturally he was well reprimanded by the FA and comments like that are obviously not acceptable in the modern age and should not have been in any age. Just for the record, Amy was a very good referee and backed me fully for a red card offence that I witnessed as an assistant referee and the 5 cautions certainly let the players know she was not one to be pushed on the discipline front.

Mike Read (Radio 1 DJ) - Met Mike when Holy Cross appeared on Pop Quiz. We were well beaten but it was good fun seeing a Radio program produced before our eyes. We also had a good chat with the celebrated DJ during breaks.

Red Rum - Highly Strung played a Summer Fayre at Sacred Heart Chorley where Red Rum was Guest of honour. He wasn't phased by our music at all although he died the same week. Possibly his last public appearance although this hasn't been verified because his appearance was not official, apparently. Rumour has it that a golfing bet took place and the winner got a guest appearance by the horse, who was sneaked out of the stable to honour the bet over the golf result. When Red Rum's death was announced on local TV they mentioned his last public performance which certainly wasn't the Sacred Heart Summer Fayre so I suspect something suspicious had gone on. Enquiries should not be directed to me because I havn't got a clue who was involved anyway, merely here say at the time. On the other hand I suppose they could have brought any old horse to the fayre and said it was Red Rum. They all look the same to me especially when you stick a rosette on them.

Respect The Ref Campaign - I wrote the Singing Referee song to raise awareness of the need to support referees. Two years after I sent the FA the song a campaign appears for respecting the ref which was the theme of the song. Sadly, they never got the players or referees to record the song which could have done a lot for the campaign but I've often wondered that I may well have given them the idea for referee promotion and awareness in the first place.I also wrote down these suggestions while on a course at the FA.I often thought I could have sung 'Abide With Me' at the Cup Final for my long service to the game to highlight referees but alas that was not to be.

Cliff Richard. Three of my songs reached a listening panel for Cliff Richard's repertoire. Unfortunately turned down but they came back with a number 6 written on the cover.I don't know what that meant but at least I knew they had given it a listen as the tape had moved on from the beginning - obviously along time ago or it would have been on MP3 or CD. A few years later I sent Cliff some words to a popular tune for his consideration. The letter I got back was very interesting as it said Cliff didn't like the idea of putting words to well known tunes, although he didn't dissagree with the sentiment. Funny thing though, 5 years later he put the 'Our Father' to a well known tune, Old Lang Syne and called it the Millenium Prayer. Did I put the idea in his head I wonder ? If so apologies to everyone who didn't like it. Incidentally my words were set to 'Son of My father' by Chicory Tip. I still have the letter from Cliff so if any Sunday Paper Cliff bashers can make me an offer to boost my retirement fund feel free to get in touch. Of course if Cliff wants to outbid them I'm open to offers. I'd certainly sell out for a signed bottle of Cliff vineyard wine providing it's white.

Lisa Riley  of  'Emmerdale' and 'You've Been Framed' interviewed me during a charity football match (see Alan Kennedy). Not easy when you are looking out for offsides so I wasn't particularly friendly on that one as I was being professional. I did have a more informal chat after the game and apologised for my failure to give her a decent interview while play was in progress.

Road Safety. I was a member of the St.Sebastian's Road Safety Team 1966 which won the Salford Police Road Safety Quiz. We defeated St.Thomas' R.C. Primary School in the final. In round one we were 18 points behind  with only 21 to play for in round two which was road signs. We were so quick on the buzzers that St.Thomas school asked for them to be checked but there was certainly no fault found. We took all 21 points in the second round and won the trophy. It must have been very formative as I went on to write a road safety campaigner song called Duff Drivers. (Apologies to anyone with the Duff surname but it is an accepted term I think you will agree) 

Ted Robbins - English Comedian and Actor, brother to Kate Robbins and second cousin to Paul McCartney. Saw Ted at Marl Pits sports centre where I believe he has a Rugby involvement. I recognised him straight away and gave a quick hello and he responded with a pleasant smile and acknowledgement.

Bryan 'Pop' Robson - Although generally associated with West Ham 'Pop' Robson had a coaching spell at Manchester United and I had a chat with him when I was assistant referee when the 'A' team played Stockport County 'A'. I asked him what the secret of success was and he said that when his mates went to the pub, he trained. He said he thought that accounted for more than talent but with his pedigree he is obviously a very modest person. A credit to the game in my opinion.

Roch Valley Radio - I just received a phone call to say I would not be needed to play guitar at Sunday mass. What a Godincidence that was. 30 minutes later a member of Rockband Black Jackson phones me up to borrow my guitar as they were doing an unplugged session for the Radio station and normally they are inundated with high powered electric axes. So, my Ovation Celebrity was loaned to appear on radio at the same time it should have been playing hymns. Of course knowing Black Jackson is a claim in itself but with the added bonus of Roch Valley radio.

Rock and Roll - I was well brought up to be a law abiding citizen but I did encounter the Law on one ocassion. The Chorley Buskers were playing Live in the town square to raise money for the Blind. Unknown to us it could be heard right across town, which we thought was the idea to attract people in. Unfortunately the police were called and that is probably the nearest I came to Rock and Roll.

Wayne Rooney I was assistant referee when Wayne played for Everton's Academy team. He was sub against Stoke City which meant I was responsible for bringing him on at the half way line.Possibly his debut but not sure.He was around 16 playing in the under 19's and luckily I got the team sheet with both our names on.What a collectors item.I wonder what it would fetch autographed by me !

Rover 25 - I am the proud owner of a Rover 25. I got a great deal on it and went home and heard the company had gone to the wall. No wonder I got a good deal. Could I possibly own the last Rover 25 ever to be made ? So many things went wrong with it I began to call it the redundancy model but I will not part with it until it becomes an ex-rover, or when I hear the following from a mechanic, to parrotphrase '' This rover is no more! It has ceased to be. It's expired and gone to meet its maker.This is a late rover. It's a stiff. Bereft of life, it rests in peace. It's rung down the curtain and joined the choir invisibule. This is an ex-rover''. The condition has deteriorated since I backed into a post and the window fell out. The window was sorted by Autoglass but the dint in the back is starting to rust. Must get that sorted to preserve the life of my beloved car.

Gerard Rowlinson - Olympic Swimmer, Rome 1960 - Met Gerard's wife who worked at my first teaching post in Heywood. C(K?)ath was usually first in so chatted most mornings as I also arrived early for the cuppa in the staff room. This claim needs more research because I could be mistaken on name spelling as a 1964 Olympic swimmer also exists as Rawlinson so I may have a mistake here, but either way the colleague was married to an olympic swimmer of reasonable fame. Of course, I am a distinguished swimmer myself , possibly the only person in the world to have failed the 25m length on three separate attempts. I always grabbed the rail around the 20 metre mark for some inexplicable reason. Needless to say when I am recognised as Claim to Fame man and the book and interviews makes millions, I will not be buying a house with a swimming pool.

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Dean Saunders - Aston Villa player and Wrexham manager. Met Dean Saunders at the Blackburn reserves game when he was coach. Didn't hassle the officials and it didn't do him any harm as he was promoted to first team coach. (See also Graham Souness)

SAS - I met the man who drove the SAS to the Iranian Embassy when they threw a hand grenade and broke up a seige. Sadly I didn't note his name but maybe that's best not published anyway. The Seige  was on April 30th 1980.

Jimmy Saville - He was at the Charity match that Irma Barlow was at. He turned up on a really cold day and ran round the pitch in trunks shaking hnds as he ran round. I later photographed him during the Manchester Marathon which my brother was running in. I sent him the slide and never heard a thing. Jim didn't fix it for me. He also lived in a flat in Higher Broughton for several years, not too far from my birthplace.

Mike Scantlebury - Internet Author, Playwright, film maker,songwriter and broadcaster (Salford City Radio). Aswell as making a guest appearance on Mike's show I also assisted in writing jokes for a radio play which never got past the panel, mind you the jokes were so bad they were actually good so why it never got to radio 4 is certainly beyond me. Mike is a Salford legend who has the potential to become more famous than even me.Link to Mike http://www.mikescantlebury.com

Paul Scholes - Played in the United reserves game v Bury. Shook his hand after the match. I gave him offside at one point but he took it in his stride.

S Club 7 - Pop Group. I recorded some of my school choir as part of the Children in Need Pop record which went to number one. The children were listed on the internet credits so I can claim I've had a number one record, or at least been involved in one. I used electronic pitching to ensure we were in tune with the backing track they sent us and recorded it without, so dubbing was easier for the engineers. Mind you with modern pitch correction I bet they could make the worst entries be in tune.

Bill Shankly. William "Bill" Shankly, OBE (2 September 1913 – 29 September 1981) was one of Britain's most successful and respected football managers. I saw Bill Shankly at Old Trafford when Liverpool Youth were playing. Tactless or what ? I went up and asked for an autograph while a Liverpool player with a broken leg was being treated.I was young and naive honest ! He obliged with dignity and probably wanted to tell me to go away in the proverbial no uncertain terms. I'm glad it wasn't Brian Clough with hindsight, he would probably have given me a justified clip round the ear.

Sheffield F.C. The Oldest Football Club in the world.I was an assistant referee in their FA Cup game against Fylde Coast FC. Graeme Kelly the former FA Chief Executive was guest of Honour and he visited the officials to congratulate us on our performance. Even though I gave the penalty for Fylde F.C. the Sheffield manager on Granada reports said we couldn't argue with that. The score was 1-1 and Sheffield won the replay.

Thomas Sydney Smith - Composer and writer of music treatice and teaching guides, principle of St.Thomas Music College, London was my Great Grandfather. I have inherited a hand written leather bound setting of the Latin Mass. His compositions are still performed today in various parts of the world.

Graeme Souness, Liverpool player and Former Blackburn manager.I was doing a reserve game at Blackburn's training ground and Graeme popped his head into our changing room and said 'I hope you are going to give them a few red cards'. I smiled politely and said probably not if they behaved.I also saw a few players that day. (see missed claims)

Sooty - I went to watch the Sooty show on numerous ocassions but the claim to fame came when I was hit by the water canon. Matthew Corbett came to the front of the stage and looked down at us and said 'that will teach you to buy tickets near the front'. I also visited the Sooty museum in Yorkshire but sadly he wasn't home at the time. I may have met Sooty and Harry Corbett before I remember as I had a Sooty tin which was bought at Morecambe when we went to see Sooty but can you remember things from less than a year old ?

Status Quo. I wrote a song for Status Quo and duly sent it off to their management.Several months later I telephoned the managers office and couldn't believe it when David Walker came on and spoke to me personally thanking me for sending it in. They were sticking with their own material at the time so he politely rejected it but I later received a letter signed by Pip Williams their producer saying 'it is good' Never met the band but I think I was fairly close on that one. In fact an update - it has been sent again via my wife's school secretary who knows the road manager. The plot thickens. If at first you don't succeed, try try again I believe is the motto.

Richard Stearman  Leicester City and Wolverhampton Wanderers. I not only played in the same team as Richard's Uncle Keith but was a good friend of his Grandparents as entertainer at Whitefield blind club and a co-musician with Grandad Jim. We went to watch Richard play for Leicester when they knocked Bury out of the Coca Cola Cup. Jim was going to get our programme signed for us but kindly got an autographed programme of Richard's League debut with personalisation and a dedicated page to Richard's rise to fame. Jim Stearman was also a saxophone player who played in some big name bands in the dance band era including appearances on various recordings. Sadly Jim died not so long ago and if nothing else I would like to dedicate this entry to his memory.

Jim Steel - Tranmere Rovers FC - I refereed Jim Steel when he finished professional football and joined Merseyside Police who defeated Whalley Range in a county Cup game. He dominated the game. One of the other team members was on Family Fortunes (ITV) the previous night. Two Claims in one. He was better at football than knowing what people said in Surveys.

Steeleye Span - Went to Span with Chris Bolton's family and his pregnant sister went to the toilets and didn't come back for 40 minutes after the show.By that time the band were back on stage packing up and we got to have a chat. I got my programme signed (whole band excepy Bob Johnson) and spoke to Maddy Prior and Peter Knight which was extra special as it was my birthday. My favourite Span song is Hard Times of Old England which sadly they didn't play that night. I mentioned this to Maddy Prior and she said they like to keep things fresh by changing the play lists around. The next time they did Manchester it was in the act and true to their word it was fresh.  The staff were very understanding and didn't try and chuck us out.

Nobby Stiles.Nobby was managing United's A Team when I was an assistant. Managed to get my 1966 Winners FDC signed. Not protocol but it was my first season and I didn't know better.I was discreet about it though. I did get Nobby's autograph at Old Trafford on a training day once when I was much younger. My Mum was a great fan of Nobby Stiles because he would stand up and be counted during the Whit walks. Talking of the Whit walks my sister got the front page of the Manchester Evening News for just walking along and looking cute. 

Count Arthur Strong - Saw the legendary Radio artist at The Lowry and met him after the show at the signing. This was the breakthrough as he signed it to Claim To Fame Man . What surprised me though was that he looked totally different offstage.

Alan Stubbs - Professional Footballer with Celtic, Bolton, Sunderland and Everton. I was assistant referee when he was making a comeback from injury for Bolton A' Team in the Lancashire League. Phil Neal attended the game to check his fitness and he duly turned up for the first team in the afternoon. Now on Everton's coaching staff he had a go at me when I was fourth official in my last senior game on the Pontins League. At least he shook my hand at the end of the game and then turned on the referee instead.  

Ray Stubbs  BBC Match of the Day and TV presenter was MC for a Mental Health Conference at the City of manchester Stadium. I duly introduced myself as the Singing Referee and presented him with the celebrated CD. He said he would certainly see what he could do and I never heard a thing after that.

Robin Sunflower - Amazing Harmonica player, gave a Musicians for Hospitals concert at The Russell Centre. He gave me a Ska CD which featured his playing and included some incredible cover versions of Eye of The Tiger, Cars and Oxygene. The live show, accompanied by Daniel Blomeley (See Victor Brox) included Sixteen Tons, Caravan and Old Grey Whistle Test Theme Tune (Stone Fox Chase) and Folsom Prison Blues which had the centre mesmerised. What a memorable event and a pleasure to have met these two outstanding musicians.

Superted -  My daughter's Superted drawing appeared in the Superted magazine. Not bad being a published artist at 5 y.o. Come to think of it Jon Pertwee did some of the voice overs for Superted. Spottyman I think, and my work colleague Steve Connor played Spottyman in the Stage show.