I was a ball boy from the first Wimbledon after World War II, ie 1946, until 1949.

What age were you and what courts did you look after?

16 17 and 18 The first year I was on court 3, and the next three years I was on centre court.

Did you enjoy the task and why?

Yes. It was an opportunity to watch the greatest tennis tournament in the world from close at hand. It was also two weeks away from school.

Did anything unusual/funny happen whilst you were on court?

We once had a squirrel appear on centre court. You can imagine four players (doubles) and six ballboys in pursuit! The ballboy who caught the intruder was called John Knight. He was bitten on the finger for his pains!

Which player did you most enjoy meeting and why?

I didn't actually 'meet' any players, but I remember the four men's champions of those years. The were Y. Petra (French), Jack Kramer (America), Bob Falkenburg  (America), and Ted Schroeder (Exiled Pole, I think).

Who is your favourite tennis player today?

If I had to pick a favourite, I suppose the best all-round and consistent player, especially on grass, would have to be Pete Sampras.

Do you play tennis now and if so do you belong to a club?

No, and I never took up the game. I was too keen on my cricket and football. Also at that time we had no facilities where I could have learned and practised.

Would you like to add any further information?

I was interviewed as a ballboy on the BBC radio programme In Town Tonight. The programme interviewed live so-called interesting people who were as the programme title indicates, in London on that night. The great Walt Disney appeared on the same programme! My expenses from the BBC for this appearance were £3. This was a large sum to me as my pocket money at that time was 6/6 (32 1/2p per week).