Duckers & Diving: Rider’s all tied up!
THE perils of appearing on television and the proper way to present oneself occupy the thoughts of our dishevelled diarist this week – proper deportment being an important part of his lifestyle regime.
I hear that John Rider, West Midlands chairman of the Institute of Directors, is getting himself ‘all tied up’.
Down to feedback from a double appearance on Midlands Today this week on the subject of Birmingham City Council cuts – 6.30pm with Mary Rhodes and Patrick Burns in the Council House, hung around, had a meal, read the Financial Times from cover to cover … and was then interviewed by Dan Pallet at 10.30pm.
Naturally, the Rider tone was pretty positive about the economic prospects generally … pledging support – the IOD to help on redeployment of those losing their jobs – and highlighting how outsourcing is already working, for example Amey’s contract to maintain the roads.
All this produced a number of texts and emails, but offering a mixed message.
“One was saying I looked very relaxed wearing an open-necked shirt and another from the National Tie-Wearing Association calling me to task for the opposite,” he reveals.
The Association email stated: “Dear Mr Rider, You seem like a sensible chap. But how about wearing a tie when you are on regional TV representing the IoD? Regards, John Holland, The National Tie-Wearing Association, Keys House, Keys Lane, Priors Marston, Warwickshire.”
And it included the motto “Ties maketh the man” – John Elliott.
Who!
Apparently an Australian tie-champion.
I rest my case.
Anyway, this put Rider on the sartorial back foot.
His grovelling reply went: “Hello John – you make a good point! Two live appearances today – mea culpa!
“After 100 years of wearing ties perhaps my standards have slipped? I was a director of Burton Group at one stage too! Henceforth I shall remove my tie for radio only!”
And he added: “In mitigation your honour, I would like to register the fact that I recently gave away a rather fetching tie to the presenter Nick Owen who had admired it after he had interviewed me!”
To which, by return, came: “Thanks John, you should be pleased that of one or two emails I pop off now and again, only you and Matt Frei (Channel 4) have taken up the challenge. It shows you care, have a sense of humour and are a proper chap. Regards, John.”
And indeed he is a jolly good chap.
Even if my message would be – don’t do it John, stick with the modern trend, ties are for cissies!
