Way back in 1963/64 when I was a lad, I used to go to all the local ‘gigs’. I was (and still am !) obsessed with music.  I went to the same Dartford school as Mick Jagger, at the same time, very exciting times!!!

I had seen Bern Elliott and the Fenmen several times, and bought both  ‘Money’ and ‘New Orleans’ singles and also the fabulous Mashed Potato EP which I absolutely love !

I got on a number 99 bus at the top of Bostal Hill heading to Belvedere.  I climbed upstairs. There was only one other person on the upper deck. He turned round to see who was coming up the stairs .
I recognised him in an instant…Bern Elliott !  I couldn’t believe my eyes.
I sat on the other side of the bus and looked across to him and he looked up and I remember trying to pluck up courage to say something ‘cool’, but just nervously blurted out “Are you Bern Elliott?”.
He laughed and beamed a huge grin!  We chatted for about 10 minutes and he said he was chuffed as he doesn’t often get recognised and it made his day !
 I was desperate to get his autograph. I had a pen, but neither of us could find any paper, except a tiny scrap about 2 square I had in my top pocket for some unknown reason.
He happily signed it ‘ Bern Elliott TA!’

He stood up and waved as I got off and the bus pulled away.  It made my day… and apparently his ! 
I have met many famous people over the years, but this quite absurd encounter on the top deck of a 99 bus is one of the most memorable. 

I still have this tiny scrap of paper, and genuinely treasure it !