Kentish Express Ashford & District
Sir Bruce’s Ashford visit remembered
Historian has fond memories of when recently deceased legend came to town
It was nice to see him… to see him nice!
Historian Steve Salter has fond memories of the day that Sir Bruce Forsyth visited Ashford, to open a bookstore.
The legendary TV presenter and comedian, who died last Friday aged 89, came to town to unveil the new Hammicks bookshop in County Square (now Waterstone’s) on November 3 in 2001.
Mr Salter said: “I went along to the opening of Hammicks with my mum, Lyn, and longtime friend Belinda Heaver, who I went to school with.
“Whether you were a book lover or not, the desire to meet such a national hero outweighed anything else.
“Literally hundreds were queuing to meet the legend himself.
“I remember how smart and immaculate he was.
“He treated you like an old friend and made you feel at ease.
“He was there to sign his new book at the time, but made his waiting audience of fans feel that they were the attraction.
“A truely lovely man, I always wanted to meet him, and I’m so glad I did.”
The KE report of the visit that appeared in that week’s paper said: “Many queued for up to two hours for a brief handshake and word with the showbiz star when he came to Ashford on Saturday to open the new Hammicks Book- shop in County Square.
“As one of Britain’s most-loved and durable stars, famous for his television shows like The Generation Game and Bruce’s The Price Is Right, he bounced into town around 40 minutes late after being held up on the motorway.
“Within minutes he worked the considerable crowds with his famous friendly quips and catch phrases – ‘All right my love?, nice to see you to see you nice and give us a twirl’ were each delivered with his trademark smile.
“After 60 years in the business and an OBE for his services to the entertainment industry, he had little difficulty winning round new fans among those who had become increasingly frustrated by his late arrival.
“There was no shortage of buyers for his show-stopping 400-page plus story Bruce: The Autobiography, on special offer for the opening.”