4/23 Michael Balmforth

Meeting Monday 3^rd April

Guest Speaker Michael Balmforth

 Michael is of course one of our own and although he has been with us sometime we had not heard his new member (Job Talk in old money) piece.  We were pleased to welcomed Sue, his good lady,  who accompanied him to this meeting.

He has had a vary diversified career mostly in the marketing field.  His first slide was of one of the things he first promoted called a “Jubbly” which it is understood something you suck for an hour or so!  In truth it was a Triangular Ice Lolly.  His career progressed with campaigns in the medicinal/sweet arena for well know items such as Milk of Magnesia, Andrews Liversalts, Walls Cornettos and Double Bubble Gum, all in the age of the slide rule with which he has a fascination and also he is a Biggles fan!

His marketing career morphed on into IT stuff marketing to personal computer owners, helped develop and market the “Black Box IT Solutions” and one of his highlights was a campaign that hired Annika Rice and her helicopter for £1,000.

He has worked internationally and speaks several languages including German and was clearly a legend in his own lunchtime claiming to have had 6 lunches in a 5 day period.

Michael has been married to Sue for 51 years and has 3 Children and 7 Grandchildren.  He is a history buff, loves music, especially opera, and for sport it is Rugby, Football and Golf.

Michael and Sue have lived in Midhurst for some time and came by chance and that was lucky for us as we welcomed him into M&P Rotary Club.

Good interesting talk Michael and thank you.

 Adrian Moore    5^thApril 2023.