WC April 20
Saw an old friend called Jeff Stevenson in cabaret on Tuesday night at Warner’s, Bembridge Coast. We had first met at the Parkhurst Prison Officers Club back in April 1978. Jeff is still a great comedian and he has done so well over the years with many TV spots, including his own shows and hosting over 50 editions of the quiz show Jumble. He was also seen in two Only Fools and Horses and both had over 20 million viewers. He’s been a great warm up comedian for many hit TV shows and has supported Johnny Mathis, Barry Manilow, Shirley Bassey, Tom Jones and the Drifters. The following evening I interviewed him at the Warner’s Norton Grange Centre at Yarmouth.
Popped over to the Kings, Southsea, on Wednesday to see a brilliant production of The History Boys, which stars Richard Hope. We met up with him after the show. Some fine young talent on view, too.
It’s been such a delight to have cards and messages of congratulations following my 25 years at IW Radio. Amazingly, I’m the only original presenter still with the commercial station. Who could have imagined 25 years of John Hannam Meets? Certainly not me.
Went to Niton on Saturday night to see The Game’s Afoot from the Pepperpot Players. Being used to watching their shows in Whitwell I rather it rather different. As ever, a very enthusiastic performance from the cast but, in reality, not one of their finest. Some good moments to enjoy.
Later that night I went to Newport Football Club to meet up with a few old football mates. There had been a match, which I missed due to the play, between the Newport Vets and a Welsh representative vets team. I loved meeting so many friends from the many years that I was covering local football. I enjoyed their company and was surprised that many of them listen to my radio show. Paul Butler, whom I had not seen for many years, really shook me. He was working in Estonia for several years and listened to John Hannam Meets on Sundays via his laptop. Coupled with the recent American listeners that got in contact, I find it all quite amazing.