The Personal Touch

Bob had a highly successful business career in journalism and public relations. He is still a Member of the Institute of Public Relations and the National Union of Journalists. He was a reporter on Lloyd’s List, the daily shipping newspaper, and deputy editor of a travel trade magazine. He was Group Director of Public Relations for European Ferries for 14 years and has twice run his own PR consultancy with some success.

He made his first speech at his old boys dinner in 1967 and turned professional in 1980.

Sport is his great love. He played football for West Wickham in the Southern Amateur League, the Old Wilsonians in the Southern Olympian League for 25 years and still plays in veteran games. Before he went in goal he played at inside forward and once scored six times in an 8-2 win over Unilever. He achieved a lifelong ambition by playing at Wembley for Old Burnley against Old Wolves in front of 80,000 prior to a Cup Final. He plays cricket for the Lord’s Taverners and his village side (skippering the Sunday 1st XI in 2005) and has played 1st XI North Kent League cricket. Playing for a Kent XI in 1991 he took 7 for 49 against Hextable and 11 for 69 in a two innings match the following year against the same opponents. He has also played Kent League tennis

He was, until recently, a Trustee of the major cricket-based charity the Lord’s Taverners. He is an Honorary Barker in the Variety Club and a Member of the Grand Order of Water Rats. He is President of Bells Yew Green CC, a Vice President of Crystal Palace FC, Middlesex Wanderers FC, Tonbridge FC, Frant CC, Old Wilsonians FC and a Past President of the Old Wilsonians’ Association. He is a member of Nevill Golf Club.

Bob at the Radio 5 Live Studio	Bob reduces Terry Wogan to tears on BBC-1