WC APRIL 6
On Monday I was due to interview the Island’s most notorious policeman of all time – and was looking forward to it. Sadly, he was not well and the interview has been put on hold for a few weeks. It will be well worth waiting for.
On Tuesday I went to the amazing funeral service for Gloria Minghella. It was emotional and inspirational. The Ryde Catholic Church was full over 30 minutes before the service began and many had to stand. It lasted for 90 minutes and was the perfect send off for a remarkable lady. The Minghella family proved, once again, just how remarkable they are. There was input from both the younger and older members of the family. The four principal tributes from Gioia, Loretta, Edana and Dominic brought both tears of joy and sadness. They were all so unique and beautifully delivered. We were all so proud of them and they all must have helped their father so much. Eddie, himself, at 93, was such a rock to all around him.
Famous people were sat among ordinary Island folk – and this was the perfect illustration of how Gloria touched the hearts of so many. She treated everyone the same and we loved her for it.
I was due to go to London on Wednesday to interview Joe McElderry. Sadly, his management did not confirm this and it never happened. It was agreed to happen but, I guess, my request for an in-person interview was the real reason. I will not undertake any phone interviews. It’s interesting that over my 40 years as an interviwer it’s now harder than ever to get interviews. I have been used to dealing with real stars over the years and not five minute wonders whose management companies think they are better than they really are.
I went to an old time music hall at Totland on Friday night and there were a few very enjoyable moments. Sadly, the days for this kind of show seem over. Many of those who would appreciate this kind of show have either passed on or do not come out in the evenings. Not a full house – a rarity at this venue.
To end the week I went to Bembridge to see an amazing show – The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged). It was brilliantly performed by just three actors – Joe Plumb, Peter Stockman and Robbie Gwinnett. It was a real scream for me, literally, as I was hauled on stage to wear a wig and scream like Hamlet’s wife, Ophelia. I would have enjoyed it even more if I had not been suffering from the worst hamstring tear of my life. Luckily, I could stand still. The audience semed to enjoy the scream – and it was rather fun.