“My memories of John go back to 1984 (a mere 23 years ago) when I first met him at Hayne Barton and spending time with him at Peter’s and at the odd Toy Fair. Memories? Well of course his witty remarks (most of which are continually lost on Americans!), his love of a good glass of wine (although oddly enough, the more he drinks, the better the wine seemed to get!) and his insistence on getting “a good deal.” John the “negotiator extraordinaire” - this last point went from negotiating a huge deal with a US company for a toy design to getting fifty pounds deducted from his dinner bill because the wine wasn’t quite... well... right! Best regards!” - Derek Wood
“My first real work contact with John was when I worked for Corgi in Swansea 1984. He came up with a very simple idea of having a carry case styled as a big plastic race car that held twenty four 3” die-cast cars. As simple as it was, it was an instant success and I must say cemented and ensured our friendship to this day.” - Trevor Hayes
“I so fondly remember my trips to your home in the late 80’s - great fun, nice memories.” - Harry Moorhouse
“I was responsible for sales in Africa of Eveready batteries. John presented himself as a likely candidate to look after the French speaking part of Africa. Not exactly a fun job particularly as he was trying to introduce a brand almost unknown in that part of the world. An abiding memory is visiting the market in Yaounde capital of Cameroon with the French agent - who wished to make the most of whatever selling point we may have had by introducing it as “un argument choc.” John will remember that!” - Alastair Cowan
“The one thing about your Dad that I will never forget is that he had to visit me some years ago around the time that Dr. Harold Shipman was being convicted of about 150 murders. You may not know this...... but John looks just like him and we were getting some very funny looks on the tube. Fortunately, the good doctor had just been convicted of mass murder so nobody tried to make a citizens’ arrest.” - Tony Hurley
“The crew from about 1986, including Stu Drell, whom as you know was very special to all of us.”
- Harry Moorhouse
Just Press Play!
“Highlights over the years: Dining in Chilham Castle where the falconry expert managed to get his eagle to crap on Richard Beecham’s shoulder, brilliant!”
- Duncan Allison
“John has been kind enough to support me by investing in my business to give English lessons over the internet. When I first ran the idea past him we were having lunch in a French village restaurant. I hadn’t asked him to lunch expecting him to invest but simply to get his comments, good or bad, and his surprise offer to back the project gave me a welcome boost of confidence as well as much need funds. When I thanked him for his commitment, he said “Ah no, Rob. I’m just contributing to the project. I’m the hen and you’re the pig.” When he saw my puzzled look he went on to explain with a twinkle in his eye: “Well Rob, when you have eggs and bacon for breakfast, the hen contributes, but the pig, - well, he’s committed!” I thought it was so typical of his wisdom and dry sense of humour.”
- Rob Marshall
