One sunny day in the late fifties, I visited George Fairweather’s, the gent’s hairdressers in Westover Road, Bournemouth. Even in those days, George operated an appointment system and I was welcomed by “my” man, Harry.

I wriggled about a bit in Harry’s chair to make myself comfortable. Harry finished tying the ribbon around my neck which kept the shawl in place and I was able to view the mirror in front of me. 
 

I noticed that George himself was fussing over a distinguished, dapper- looking chap in the adjacent chair. I recognised him straight away. It was Viscount Montgomery of Alamein.
 

Both the Viscount and I left our respective chairs at the same time. George was kind enough to introduce me, as the famous man seemed to be in a good mood. 
 

 “This is Viscount Montgomery” George said.
 

“It’s an honour to meet you Sir” I replied.
 

I then said “Do you have your famous cap with you?” 
 

 “No” said Montgomery. “I never wear it at the seaside”. 
 

Even now, some fifty years later, I will never forget how priveleged I was to meet him. What a great man.

GT