On those who have amazed and inspired me during my life

Given my earlier comments, about not liking ‘the celebrity culture’, you may not be surprised to learn that I have worshipped few heroes in my life. My earliest recollection of admiration for an unrelated human being was Sir Winston Churchill.

I can still recall the fit of melancholy that enveloped me as I stood on a frozen Sunningdale station platform in January of 1965, to watch the great man’s coffin pass by on that final journey to his eternal resting place.

It was about the same time when my immediate future was decided, in the Headmaster’s study that day, and if you have no idea as to what I’m talking about you should read Flying with Cuckoos. However, far from the embarrassment of that demoralising experience, my recollection of Churchill was of a man of boundless charisma, and a life filled with achievement and inspiration.

Since that time I have added four more inspirational figures to my elite club of ‘celebrities’ and all for different reasons.

Audrey Hepburn was the second ‘celebrity’ to be added to the short list, because she was quite simply the most beautiful movie star of all time; dainty and delicate and impish and stylish and quite, quite beautiful. She has inspired legions of celebrity wannabes, but to my mind there will only ever be one Audrey Hepburn.

Next came Margaret Thatcher, who was anything but dainty and delicate, and I am sure that many in Britain consider her something akin to the antichrist. I have no intention of getting into political argument, but whatever else people may or may not think about Thatcher, one thing is indisputable. She picked up the crown of Britain’s democratic process, from where Ted Heath had left it lying in the gutter, in 1974, and restored It to its rightful place. Margaret Thatcher makes my list for that act alone.

Then comes Seve Ballesteros, because I love sport, and I love golf, and I love charismatic characters. I once met him, and even had the good fortune to play one of my finest ever golf shots under the gaze of the great man. It was a major thrill. I was so sad to see his life cut short by such a terrible disease, but grateful that he has inspired others to take up the battle against cancer. They can be contacted on. . .

http://www.seveballesterosfoundation.org/uk/utilities/contact-us/seve-contact-us

Last, but by no means least, in my special list, is Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. I have twice been fortunate enough to meet and speak to Her Majesty, and on both occasions she left me in awe. That she has so graciously and dutifully served this country for over sixty years, and continues to do so, is both inspiring and humbling. Long may she continue to reign.

That’s about it. My short list and my first- and last-ever post on ‘celebrities’. . .

Have a good one.