Reaching for the Stars!

It began as a simple idea: Let’s chat to people about their first cars and write a weekly times-past piece. After all, nostalgia is king and everyone had a first car, didn’t they?

Well. Not everyone. Sir David Attenborough wrote back to me pointing out he doesn’t drive. But most do and they are more than happy to talk.

The first was Harry Gration, now sadly no longer with us. He was a lovely chatty man who was happy to ring The Yorkshire Post. He was quickly followed by Sir Geoffrey Boycott – friendlier than his image might suggest.

This column – which has run for four years – has seen me chat to more than 200 people, including two of the original Top Gear cast (I’m still waiting on Jeremy) to Marlene and Boycie (Sue Holderness and the now late John Challis) from Only Fools and Horses to Yorkshire royalty like Dickie Bird.

There have been one or two refusals: the late, great, Sir Michael Parkinson was too busy, according to his family; Dawn French simply said no. But there were some unexpected ones. I tracked down actor Brian Murphy, in his 90s and living in Kent, yet still happy to chat about his exploits in George and Mildred in the 1970s.

Valerie Singleton rang me out of the blue, as did Alan Titchmarsh. And Tony Christie – originally from Conisbrough, near Doncaster – chatted for an hour about his love of Porsches and Aston Martins.

There were some sad times: nightclub boss Peter Stringfellow said yes by email but then died a few days later before we had the chance to talk.

I aim very high occasionally. After all, the worst they can do is say no. I’m still waiting for calls back from the White House and the Vatican (seriously), but Gilbert O’Sullivan did reply. Sadly, he’s another non-driver.

Frank Bruno would chat, but his PR advisor wanted a full-page ad for his foundation in return. And Henry Blofeld wanted a fee but I don’t have a budget.

Others were more loquacious. Singer Jess Conrad is a petrolhead, it turns out; so is stargazer Russell Grant and television commentator Guy Mowbray (he loves his Alfa Romeo Stelvio). And Match of the Day commentator Jacqui Oatley was delighted to reminisce about her time at Leeds University.

It isn’t easy tracking these people down. Some are happy enough to be pursued on social media but Peter Purves would not be convinced that I was genuine. I still have a few big-name targets who I’m sure will be happy to talk: Sir Rod Stewart and Sir Elton John for a start!

So if any PR colleagues out there have any suggestions or connections with celebs, please get in touch. I’ll be more than happy to promote your company in return.

Originally published in the Spring 2024 Newsletter.