A quick look at the list published in the Guardian newspaper mentioned the great and the good, many of whom I had never heard of, some of whom I have heard of in passing and a few of whom I am well aware of
Those of whom I am aware include Brian "I really don't talk loudly" Blessed, American singer songwriter Jackson Browne whose music I do like, former PM David Cameron who is the only one on the list I have actually met, singer PJ Harvey, the Duke of Kent, record producer Giles Martin (son of the legendary Sir George Martin), film director Steve McQueen ( not related to the actor), Sharon Osborne ( born on the same day), athlete Steve Ovett, MP Jess Phillips, journalist John Pilger and golfer Annika Sorenstam. Former Chief Exec of Rolls Royce Sir John Rose was born on the same day as me in 1952.
Two others born on October 9th are no longer with us but have been influential in my life for very different reasons. One is John Lennon who amazingly would have been 83 today. I'm not sure Lennon is somebody I would have liked to have met. I think he would have been a trifle scary. The other person is my first ever Chief Reporter when I started working on the Lowestoft Journal.
Dear old George Smallman would have been 99 today. I checked up his age on the Internet and found an article when he died aged 90. The article referred to him as Genial George because of his sense of fun and broad smile. Eulogies are sadly all too often false but in the case of George it sums him up beautifully.
I will always remember his kindness and support and yes that broad captivating smile. He was succeeded by Barry Hartley whom I also worked closely with and who was another thorough gentleman who sadly left us far too early.
Included today are the photographs of Coventry which I promised. I will have a few more from our weekend tomorrow along with suggestions on a new way to lead a life. Intriguing that may be, but don't get too excited. Well ok you can get a little excited.
The photos include several of the bombed out cathedral.