Christmas is also the season of presents - for children, and little treats to keep out the cold - for grown-ups. And so I found myself tucked up indoors one teatime near Christmas with a small glass of Sloe Gin, watching tv.
"The Paul O'Grady Show" had started and I was interested to see that one of his guests was Sir Roger Moore, AKA "James Bond."
Naturally, Sir Roger was a charming guest and entranced both his host and the audience. They were in the palm of his hand, and so he took the opportunity to express his true and heartfelt feelings about the plight of our Armed Forces in Iraq and Afganistan. He was very disappointed, disgusted actually, having seen for himself in his capacity as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations, that our troops continue to suffer through lack of equipment in the field and indignities that border upon negligence, on their return! Sir Roger was more than a little cross with our Government, and Paul and his audience cheered and clapped his views energetically to express their full agreement. I could be wrong but I do not think that this audience needed a board with "clap now" to be held up for them. There was a strong feeling of camaraderie in that studio and it was permiating into my lounge, and probably many others!
Sir Roger then asked Paul if he could recite a poem, and Paul agreed. So Sir Roger recited a well-known poem by Rudyard Kipling about 1st World War soldiers called "Tommy Atkins." It was very well received by the audience and by Paul O'Grady. It was very moving and touched everyone's hearts. The atmosphere was electric.
I felt as though I had witnessed something special, but I have been unable to find an honest reference or account of this broadcast in the press or online since. One or two lines here and there mention an anti-war statement by Moore but then focus on other aspects of the interview, playing it down and moving swiftly along. I have found absolutely nothing, no mention at all of the poetry recital and its enthusiastic reception anywhere.
I wonder if this interview caused embarassment and is being hushed up?
I hope it has caused dreadful embarassment, deep guilt and shame in Government circles and everywhere else.
When even James Bond is cheesed off then we know our country really is in deep trouble!
Well done, Sir Roger Moore.
Well done, Bond!
You Tube search for: "Tommy Atkins, by Roger Moore" www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNMHOc9xfKQ