The Paddington Express

[thehornets]

This is my favourite ttm success of the year so far.

Terry Downes - 4 days

I found a HB 1/1 of Terry's 1964 book "My Bleeding Business" in a charity shop last week for £2. I could not believe how nice the condition was when I realised the book was 50 years old. It still has nice white pages and great shape, plus unusually the dj is in fabulous condition.

When I met Minter, Magri, Green and Buchanan at MK a couple of years back his name came up in conversation as one of the toughest men in the ring. He won the World MIddleweight title in July 196 beating Paul Pender of the USA. He beat Sugar Ray Robinson, but Sugar Ray was 41 at the time, and Terry famously replied, "I didn't beat Sugar Ray, I beat his ghost.". Although I knew of him I was too young to watch him fight, but in my letter explained that my heroes from the 70s rated him. I have however seen him act. He had a great role in Roman Polanski's Fearless Vampire Killers as Koukol the hunchback, and a series called Gangsters amongst others. A great character in and out of the ring.

I sent Terry the book, a 4x6 of him as oukol pictured with Sharon Tate, and was thrilled to get them both back signed today, along with two briliant 4x6 signed photos of his own that he generously added. Well chuffed.

I knew roughly where he lived from a news story, and then tracked down the full address. Definitely the oldest book I have sent as a ttm.

[sylouisetruebluechelsea]

Thats a cracking reply Nigel and nice addition too your book collection:)

[loobyloo6]

Superb Nigel, Something about the older books, Pleased for you.

[Anonymous]

excellent reply and nice of him to add in a couple of pics as well, congrats

[serenamorgan]

a great success Nigel, pleased for you

[westiesx2]

Brilliant reply that Nigel. Like the book and good of him to send a couple of pics of his own.

[short380]

What a wonderful reply and story.  That's a great result.

[film4watcher]

That's a terrific reply, Nigel. Really good of him to add his own pics.

[swain6666]

LOVE IT RIGHT UP MY STREET AWESOME

[rcsmg1]

Great pictures and reply Nigel. I thought the Paddington Express was the train that doesn't go any further than Exeter at the moment!

[wheel-lose]

a cracker that mate

[obree]

Great detective work tracking him down Nigel well done on a great reply .