Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

52classic · Joined: 02 Oct 2008 Posts: 493 Location: Cardiff.

For me, the current idea of celebrity culture is abhorrent and I would cross the street rather than encounter the likes of Jordan, Kerry Katona or one of our current football stars.

However, there is something compelling about meeting properly famous people. Great to hear that our very own Roger-Hatchy has lived cheek by jowl with some of them!

I have managed to meet my share too.

As a youngster, my passion for aviation introduced me to Hughie Green (chatted about his Cessna 337) and Douglas Bader - Guess which of them was the greater privilage for a teenager!

Later on I worked on the commercial side of local Radio & Television where it was easy to 'contrive' a meeting with incoming guests but it was an unwritten rule that one must not appear 'starstruck' at any point.

Sian Lloyd shared to office next to mine with her newsroom people. I was told that I had a chat in the canteen with Emmerson and Palmer (presumably it was 'Lake's' day off) Didn't recognise them and wouldn't to this day!

At other times, Ted Rogers (321, he owned a '66 Mustang) The Vivacious and gorgeous little Anne Aston (the Golden Shot girl) Lulu, Felicity Kendal, Jim Davidson, Tom Baker, Dave Lee Travis, Anthony Valentine and Spike Milligan who arrived in the rattyest Mini you can imagine. Must be more, I'll have another think!

Maybe not 'A' listers but well famous in their respective days.

IanAl · Joined: 15 Jan 2013 Posts: 60

I've met a few celebs

1. Chris Searle (did a program called In at the deep end)
2. Donna Hartley (1980's Olympic runner)
3. Jeff Capes
4. John Gorman (The Scaffold)
5. Roald Dahl
6. David Bellamy
7. Louise Aitken Walker
8. Malcolm Wilson
9. The Gladiators (don't laugh)

Some real A listers there!

47p2 · Joined: 24 Nov 2007 Posts: 2009 Location: Glasgow

Through my work I meet them on a daily basis, some are really nice and others, well best not say on an open forum Shocked

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Riley Blue · Joined: 18 Jun 2008 Posts: 1751 Location: Derbyshire

47p2 · Joined: 24 Nov 2007 Posts: 2009 Location: Glasgow

colwyn500 · Joined: 21 Oct 2012 Posts: 1745 Location: Nairn, Scotland

Just remembered, when I was a student, John Noakes shopping in a Morrisons in the Merrion Centre in Leeds.

emmerson · Joined: 30 Sep 2008 Posts: 1268 Location: South East Wales

Met Donald Campbell and Leo Villa at Coniston just before Campbell was killed.

Ellis · Posted: Sat Jan 19, 2013 6:50 pm Post subject:

I've met and talked with quite a few over the years.
The longest conversation I had was with Frank Thornton (Captain Peacock) who is an exceptionally nice man. I had just finished reading a biography of Noel Coward who he was very friendly with and he gave me a further insight into his character and brilliance.

John Humphreys (Today and Mastermind) - very friendly.

Anthony Hopkins - charming but protected by 3 bodyguards.

Michael Winner - charming.

Noddy Holder (ex Slade) - a scream.

Tom Baker - friendly.

Cliff Richards - very friendly.

Sir Hugh Wheldon - charming.

Terry Scott - very nice.

Chris Lowe (Petshop Boys) - quiet and shy.

Lemmy (Motorhead) - very friendly and funny.

Don Henderson (Bullman) - introverted but enjoyed a chat.

Neil Kinnock - very friendly.

Patrick McGoohan (Danger Man and the Prisoner) - fascinating.

Sir John Gielgud - debonair and distinguished.

Robert Powell - a true gentleman.

There have been quite a few others as well, not listed here because some were rude and arrogant or talked of nothing but themselves.

A friend of mine lived in the same Southampton Street as Benny Hill - two doors down in fact - and although he would always be polite and acknowledge a greeting, he preferred not to talk to anybody and lived in his own private world.
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1964 Jaguar Mark 2 3.4 litre
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ukdave2002 · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 4279 Location: South Cheshire

If meeting celebs is your thing just Jump on a London to Manchester Virgin train as I have to do at least twice a week Confused

.....now the Beeb is in Mcr you will meet loads. Sat with Richard Bacon last week, I always thought he was a bit pretentious, but he was a really nice intelligent bloke Very Happy

, a couple of weeks earlier Sean Cotton was in the same coach as me, practically demanding he had a table to himself.....

My claim to fame is that I went to Kim Wilde's 21st birthday party, but when I was about 12 I got Gordon Banks autograph; never topped that Very Happy

Dave

Ellis · Posted: Sat Jan 19, 2013 8:18 pm Post subject:

IanAl · Joined: 15 Jan 2013 Posts: 60

When I used to volunteer in the St John Ambulance I worked as first aid cover on the set of a film starring a then, relatively unheard of actor. I was introduced to this person and must say he was very pleasant. The film was, 'the man who went up a mountain and came down a staircase' (I think that was it) and the actor was Hugh Grant

Minxy · Joined: 22 Sep 2010 Posts: 273 Location: West Northants

Because I worked in relatively high profile Motorsport I have met loads of famous people - so many it's quite boring but my two 'claims to fame' when it comes to famous people is firstly the delightful Miss Lumley is a long time friend of my older sister so I get to meet her regularly.
Secondly years ago while working at the Audi rally sport HQ in Daventry I was in the machine shop struggling to press bearings into a pile of S1 struts when this long haired guy strolls in and says 'want a hand, I wouldn't mind learning how to do that' so he helped me with a few and then I let him do a couple himself. Anyway as we worked we chatted, I asked him what line of work he was in'a drummer in a group' he replied, 'don't recognise you from top of the pops' jokes I, 'no you wouldn't' says he ' Pink Floyd don't get on there as a rule' - yes Nick Mason who was a regular visitor because, as some may know, he is a regular petrol head and used to spend hours at the workshop.

pogo · Joined: 01 Feb 2013 Posts: 51 Location: Limousin. France

I met Nick Mason as well, a few times at motor racing events at Brands Hatch
Chris Evans and Billie Piper came to my house to look at my Mk3 Triumph Spitfire, and what a nice couple they were.
Michael Caine came into our showroom as I was dealing with an american customer, and amazingly, 2 weeks later, the american guy returned and passed Rowan Atkinson, who I had just been dealing with.
My nan taught Brian Jacks to ride a horse, and although i was too young to remember, he used to throw my brother, sister and I around on a field.
Sir David Steele, Carol Thatcher, AND Dick Emerys sister, WOW
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ukdave2002 · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 4279 Location: South Cheshire

Got on a train from Euston tonight, and at the last min who should sit opposite, none other than Brendan Rogers Very Happy

you can probably figure out why he was in London today, and I obviously didn't pry. Talked about all sorts. Top bloke ,he signed autographs for my mates kids ( and of course one for me!)

Real gent... Forgot to ask him about cars!! Sorry!

Dave