Two of my oldest and closest friends in the world, Billy & Dickie both from
Dagenham, (which is next to Romford and close to London) are a couple of very funny characters who touch the lives of everyone they come in contact with. I’ve known these guys since I was 16, when I started out in the ad industry at The London Evening Standard way back in 1978. I’m in contact with them either by phone, text or email at least once a week, and see them whenever I go back home. Bill has been a visitor to Australia on several occasions over the years, while Dickie made his first trip down under in 2005 along with his lovely wife Janet and daughter Natalie.
I can’t begin to describe the laughs I’ve had with these two over the years, and what they mean to me as friends. In fact all the boys at the ‘Standard” had a huge influence and helped shape my values which I’ve tried to carry with me.
Sadly, Malcolm one of the big personalities from that group died in 2005, which had a profound affect on all of us. This photo was taken at his funeral in London, which I came home for. Back row left to right, Mick, Dick, Bill. Front, Me, Bobby & Big John.
