It’s been a treat seeing dapper, self-described ‘shopkeeper’ Sir Paul Smith doing the media rounds this past fortnight promoting his new book.
I had the pleasure of meeting him once after we both disembarked at Heathrow from a flight from Pisa.
Summoning the courage to offer a slightly apologetic ‘Excuse me, are you Sir Paul Smith?’, I was delighted when he responded with a warm ‘I am!’
We chatted about Italy and cycling as we made the lengthy trudge to passport control. Two subjects that gave us an immediate connection.
As we parted, Sir Paul invited me to contact his PA and arrange to come and see his collection of cycling jerseys.
I never did. No bother. Meeting a top gent like him was already more than enough.
(Image taken from Paulsmith.com)
