“I thought he was 80.”
- Bob Hilliard
“Eveready organised a dinner for all the overseas personnel at a restaurant specialising in medieval banquets. Most of us got absolutely pie eyed. John had a sports car at the time and what he did to attract the attention of the police I am not sure. Sufficient to say they gave chase and my memory of the occasion is that John somehow gave them the slip. How any of us got home I cannot remember but it was long before drink/drive laws.”
- Alastair Cowan
“We did not realise John was nearly 70 - he keeps telling us he is 27”
- Denis Gosling
“Please tell him how pleased I am that he is back in my life and that I look forward to seeing him again before too long.”
- Vera Pooley
“1937 was a vintage year, didn't realise you were older than me, well by 3 months! Happy Birthday!”
- Cherry Walton
“Your father and I were quite competitive particularly in the world of toys for boys. He had bought himself a Triumph Spitfire sports car. I thought I'd go one better and get an MGB sports car (6 mph faster). Just to rub it in, I asked him if he'd come with me to collect said vehicle. On the way home he sat quietly on the plush leather bucket seat, shoes sinking comfortably into the deep pile carpet. Lighting a cigarette, he asked where the clever interior designers had hidden the ashtray. A few minutes later, back at the MG showroom, the manager was at great pains to point out that when Sir ordered Sir's vehicle Sir should have ordered Sir's ashtray at the same time!
The satisfaction on your father's face was a wonder to behold. I was the owner of the only car in the whole of France that did not have an ashtray.”
- John Hodder
"I am recalling a lovely warm summer's day at Puechcourt whereupon I was broken from my day dream in RooRoo land by the slap of a packet of family photos dropped nonchalantly into my lap. Amongst the amusing snapshots was a picture of a bronzed hippie-like being which caught my attention. Today this sight may be interpreted as an uber-cool 70s indie rock dude. In fact, I was told that in fact the vision was the Lord of Puechcourt - albeit a little younger - (the distinguished Sea Mariner look was to come in later years). Full instructions on how to get to 70 will be most welcome. I am hoping your manual will include notes on sprinting up career ladder, fast cars, good food, cigars and generous amounts of red plonk! Here's to you. Bon Anniversaire!"
- Rou
Emma: “Lovely words, but I’m not sure what photo you’re referring to?”
Rou: “It was a photo of your Dad in little shorts at the beach.”
Emma: “Uh, we didn’t show you photos of Dad at the beach....”
Rou: “Oh. Really? No, I’m sure it was a photo of your Dad in shorts.”
Emma: “Seriously, there aren’t any such photos in existence!”
Rou: “Ohhhh. I know. I’m confusing it with photo of Ricardo’s dad.”
“What a surprise.....I thought your Dad was a lot older with a child bride.”
- Duncan Allison
“Happy 70th Birthday John!!!!! My fondest memories were from July, 1989, the "know it all kid" from the Yankee States of America conquering Great Britain. You’d think I would have learned a lesson or two from Charles the 1st .... You opened your beautiful home to me during my weeks stay with you, to meet Emma, and experience a whole new world. What I’ll remember the most was your hospitality, knowledge, and educating me on the history of England. You took the time to take me to places that I may never be able to go see again. Stonehenge, Rocks of Avebury, Salisbury Cathedral and the beautiful English countryside. You gave me my first taste of eating escargot and French brie when we went to the Le Grandgousier French Restaurant in Brighton. I will always remember my last evening in England. Sitting on the patio of Well House, on a warm moonlit beautiful English night, listening to the crickets chirping; learning and maturing. I still have the Cockburns 1982 Bottle of Port that you had given to me as a farewell gift, and believe it or not, it still tastes the same as the night we were sitting on the patio drinking it. I wish I had a photo of you while I was there. I guess you were the one who reached for the camera and snapped away. A very happy birthday to you John, and thank you for your hospitality and for making me into a gentleman!”
- Chuck Bradley
“On first meeting John (it was at a very dull luncheon party in the Tarn) my immediate impression was that this man was bored. Not just bored in the 'I am about to fall asleep' type of boredom, but bored like he hadn't met an interesting soul to keep his will to live up and was in danger of looking to another planet for 'fast forward' in the best sports car sense of the word. This, I came to subsequently understand, was part of John's persona; and what he gives, with utmost generosity, is his thirst for new and exciting ventures coupled with a keen intelligence. He loves to share these 'hors de commun' views on life on a broader higher level than most people. Bravo John. Very Happy Birthday!”
- Barbara Kryvovias
“Your Dad and I were well known for our dress style and being fashion leaders.”
-Terry Sinnett
“Happy Birthday to a truly warm, generous and funny person. We've always enjoyed our visits with you although too short and we look forward to many more.”
Erica, Jason, Max & Samantha Stein
“How great it has been to renew our friendship. We have so much in common from the early days. Dreamers perhaps... And after all these years you still read the Daily Telegraph - I never thought I'd say Long Live The Daily Telegraph! Thanks for your wonderful hospitality. I promise not to 'phone you again on a Saturday evening after few drinks! Long live your sense of humour, your love for cars and fast driving, old films and photographs of Paris, your lovely legs and of course the D.T. Keep it up and live long. With much love from us both.
Happy Birthday, jeune homme!”
- Alan and Alette
“In retirement our friendship has grown even stronger. You and Ingrid have been most hospitable and generous in entertaining us at your lovely home in France. The temptation to visit you at Puechcourt is additionally enhanced by the chance to drive the Fordson Major! As an agriculturist it takes me back to my earlier ambitions to be a farmer. You use all your sales skills to lure us, I quote – “the tractor has just been serviced ready for you” – “I was having a quiet sulk as you still haven’t told us when you’ll be visiting next year? Will it be for the first or second cut... and this year just everybody seems to want to drive the tractor.”
Best wishes for a very Happy Birthday!”
- David Fear
“Oh my - you’re reaching the Big 7-0 - oh my, oh my!”
- Jane Simanis
