CONVERSATION TO THE MAX The best subject I interviewed was Michael Parkinson, during my Wide World of Sports innings for the Nine Network. ‘Parky’ was a on a book tour, publicity being the engine room fuel. My co-host on the Saturday afternoon program, Ken Sutcliffe had managed to get the Wimbledon post… and was courtside in the U.K. I got to interview the interviewer extraordinaire. We were scheduled for 6 minutes… sport was our mutual passion, especially cricket. The producer decided to ‘lose’ one commercial break… our chat lasted 12 minutes. For me the indelible, unforgettable. We stumbled at darts and wrestling… but all other sports pressed buttons on memorable occasions, people and stories. Sometimes you get lucky. A real privilege. We had pre-dinner drinks in the library at the Tattersall club, Brisbane. My kind of room… all those ‘books’. Lots of timber… including the bar… but the smell of books, covers, paper. The expectation between the covers. I know technology is closing down book shops. And smart tablets ‘n’ kindle point to a new tsunami of words. The tactile feel of a dog eared page or folded 45 degrees to hold the page place is common place with me. Yes, shock horror I write, scribble or note on the pages of my books. By osmosis my library defuses part of me… maybe naively. Because I have bought, read and shelved a title I feel I have become better aware and entertained by the volume- smarter. Shared worlds, lives and stories. Challenged by possibility. I was soon introduced to all and sundry. We gathered like a football team in 2 rows for the official photograph… you could sense the ambiance in the room and mood of the guests. Jonathan Caldwell made sure the transition into the magnificent dining room was quick… a stunning room. What a night it would turn out to be. The food and beverages served- outstanding. But between main course and sweets a special offering. Max Walker interviewed by journalist and media trainer of the highest quality Michael Crutcher. I began awkwardly by sitting on the microphone nestled in the sumptuous old leather chair positioned in a mini-stage. Michael was extremely well researched… we ricocheted from one place and time to another. Unlocked opinions and stories across 4 decades and more. Time disappeared at a rapid rate despite being a slow talking Tasmanian (an asset on television believe it or not). Michael thankyou so much- you did an outstanding job… pushing, probing and driving the conversation where it needed to go… a real skill. Question time could have gone forever. Sweets were served… selfies were captured and launched… successfully. More questions… fabulous night. Congrats to an old friend Dale St George now CEO of the club. I understand why the club is held in such high esteem. Keep making a difference. Thankyou for the humbling feedback. What a gathering. Unforgettable evening.
Posted on: Wed, 03 Dec 2014 14:00:22 +0000
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