I don't want to give the wrong impression, but I slept with Bob for two years!

We were both involved in 'Redbrick', the Birmingham University paper, and moved into digs in Small Heath, run by a genial widower called Pop Atherton. Bob had the misfortune to share a room with me. I think we both spent more time on Redbrick than on our official studies, and it required urgent recovery efforts to obtain a decent degree. Bob, of course got an excellent degree.

Some Sundays in the digs consisted of reading the Sunday Times, cover to cover, probably followed by Hancock's half hour, and maybe a beer.

Bob was always full of new initiatives and enthusiasms, but what I valued was that he was always willing to share the ideas and give encouragement.

He had a Morris Traveller, top speed about 30mph. Each Tuesday we would trundle up to the printers in Ripley, Derbyshire, to proof read this weeks edition, before retiring to a hostelry  whilst the printers did their thing. Then back to Brum, loaded with the edition for the next day's sales.

Looking back, I suppose everyone can identify a handful of people who have influenced us, who we held in high regard. Bob comes very high on my list.