In about 1966, I was talked into taking a very small part in a Green Room production of .......The Visitor?, directed by Bill Keel, the local Martins Bank manager. [Actually, it was 'The Man' - Ed]

I think I had five words and I'm sure I must have fluffed them each night for the week, as I was so nervous.

I think a Manchester-based BEA stewardess was a member of that cast and was dating Ken Dodd at the time.

Having grown up in Wilmslow, when Brian Jackson had a vegetable shop that became Hammonds, Finnegan's was the new department store and the Cheshire Set youngsters met on a Saturday morning at the New Inn (no Sainsbury's next door), I was a regular attendee with Martin Edwards at Manchester United and of Wilmslow Rugby Club and its Ox Roast with the meat provided by Martin's father, Louis Edwards.

I believe this was the only time I've been on that side of the stage.

In 1971, forty years ago, I was a lowly bar steward with BEA at Heathrow Airport. I wrote, produced and directed shows and co-founded the British Airways Cabin Crew Entertainment Society (BACCES).

In 1972, I studied for my insurance exams, trod the broking boards at Lloyd's of London and then took off for a career in insurance in New York and mostly, Bermuda, from where I've just returned.

This BA Society has produced 40+ shows and/or Pantos since then and I wanted you to know that the terrifying experience of working briefly at the Green Room must have set me on a path that led to my staging shows and writing my yet unpublished book, "Love is in the Air", the story of my 30 months as one of the few 'straight' stewards amongst 1500 often beautiful girls.

I married in 1973 (a London actress and dancer) and moved to Bermuda.

I'm just now writing the screenplay for my book to become a TV comedy drama. If I'm lucky, it will air next year.

In the meantime, BACCES is to stage a fortieth anniversary celebration, called, "Now that's What I Call Panto", on December 1st at the Beck Theatre, Hayes.

Hope you enjoy my nostalgic memory.

Kind regards,

Tony Forster