Honor Blackman

Bear with me...

In the late 50's my late father in law worked at The West Ham Stadium, which hosted the largest crowd ever at a Britsh event. 122000 (I recall) to see England vs Sweeden Speedway match.

He was also starter for the Greyhounds and one season opened with a visit from the Rank Starlets including Miss Honor Blackman.

Even though Tom had hapily married a girl he became engaged to in 1939,whom he next saw and married in 1946, every time MHB was on the TV he'd shake his head and tell us about the day she came to the Stadium. Clearly she made an IMPRESSION.

FF 45 years and his eldest son is sitting opposite MHB at a 'stagey' lunch and eventually he tells her the above story. She laughs and asks for his business card. Within the week a beautifully framed inscribed photo dating from her Rank days arrives. From memory she wrote it was one of the happiest days of her life and she'd never forgotten how attractive Tom looked in his boots and bowler.
When it was given to Tom on his next Birthday it was the only time I ever saw him speechless.

A class act MHB. RIP.