OR LOSERS?

THUMBS UP

COMEDIAN Philip Hammond, who also works at times as Chancellor, revealed a funny bone this week when he declared: “I always know I’m in Scotland because I get out of the plane and it’s 10 degrees colder. Then you drive into town, up to Holyrood, into Nicola Sturgeon’s office and it’s another 10 degrees colder.”

STEPTOE and Hancock co-creator Ray Galton passed on this week. However, he has achieved immortality thanks to classic comic lines such as “Does Magna Carta mean nothing to you? Did she die in vain?”

He wrote of Kenneth Williams “turning his head and smiling at you like a goblin in a woodcut drawing from a book of fairytales”.

THUMBS DOWN

THERE is no end, it seems, to Bono’s droning conceit, and no beginning of any sense of self-awareness. When visiting the European Parliament in Brussels the U2 singer announced: “Europe is a thought that needs to become a feeling, and I am, as an artist, in service of that.”

STELLA McCartney has long worn the badge of the ethical fashion designer. However, the replacement of leather with man-made fibres is now being attacked by environmentalists. Her non-biodegradable boots at £755 she contends, will not end up in the ocean. At that price you hope they won’t end up in the back of the wardrobe either.

My life at the Blackpool Tower is never short of memorable moments. Strictly Come Dancing has broadcast seven live shows from the ballroom and I have worked at every one of them. It’s nerve-wracking knowing millions are watching and I’m responsible for the venue running smoothly.

Growing up in Scotland, I don’t do star-struck. Stephen Hendry, however, was the exception. He has always been one of my heroes and I met him when the circus was used for a snooker tournament. For once, I was speechless.

My job is unique. There is a wonderful nostalgia around the Blackpool Tower. So many people have a childhood memory of the place but we’re also creating memories for new generations and introducing something different. The circus show changes every year and the Blackpool Tower Eye at the top, with its glass floor walk, panoramic views and bar, is really popular.

I am a member of the Tartan Army and last year had the Blackpool Tower lit up white and blue. Scotland played England at Wembley and I did my bit. My friends couldn’t believe it when they saw it. I might have an English accent but I am definitely Scottish.

It’s such a magnificent building it draws you in and makes you want to stay. I worked my way up, starting at KFC, becoming a bar manager, then deputy general manager and three years ago became general manager – that was my proudest moment to date.

Hundreds of thousands of people come to the Blackpool Tower every year. My job is never boring. Being general manager is such a big and brilliant role – I have no plans to move on.

My 18-year-old daughter also works here. She has a job in our indoor play area, Jungle Jims. It’s a big building so we don’t get under each other’s feet. I like to think it’s not too bad having her old dad around.