Parkinson

When I was twelve or so it was 1974

A time of beige and orange, Watergate and hijacked planes.

Disaster films and second year in secondary school.

My mother often babysat for my sister on Saturday nights so we went along too, not being picked up by my over-the-limit father when the Conservative Club rang last orders around eleven.

Parkinson would be on the tv before we left and even though I often had restless legs from being overtired I can remember his easy Yorkshire tones and his ability to make a guest feel at home.

Michael Parkinson was a journalist, so unlike his American counterparts who often knew their guests before their chat, he researched them forensically. 

He was calm and collected and very British in a David Niven like way and suddenly became a favourite with Hollywood stars and politicians alike, all of whom warmed to his character and Northern Ways.

I always enjoyed the natural storyteller guests, who were given space to perform their tales. Peter Ustinov, David Niven, Kenneth Williams, Peter Cook, Spike Milligan

Billy Connolly and Barry Humphrey came slightly later…..I remember them too….fondly.

Best of British Michael Parkinson …..Rest In Peace