Island Life Magazine Ltd June/July 2008 | Page 44

life JOHN HANNAM High Sheriff? 'The idea grew on me' By John Hannam When a very regal Alan Titchmarsh attends numerous events as the Island’s High Sheriff it’s hard to believe he was once an also ran in a Butlin’s Mr Debonair contest and also the butt of his old school pals jokes when he was spotted up a ladder in denim overalls watering 44 hanging baskets. This is deliberately, not an article about whether Alan Titchmarsh should be in one of our highest offices. Much too much has already been aired on this subject. He first turned the job down four years ago because he had personal doubts about his own suitability but was talked into finally accepting what is a completely voluntary and unpaid position. Alan is definitely not one of those infuriating immigrants who instantly try and tell us how to run the Island. Several have and then been rarely heard of again. www.wightfrog.com/islandlife