BAYSNEWS: This month we’re talking to John Flower. John, for those who don’t know you, can you give us some background?
JOHN:I’ve worked in television and radio as a reporter and producer in Melbourne, Canberra, London and Sydney from the late 60s to the early 80s. I moved to Event Management in 1985 and was Director of the Variety Club’s annual B to B Bash for 12 years, raising millions of dollars for the children’s charity. I’ve organised many more fundraising events over the years including car rallies for the NRMA Classic Car Club. I’ve also appeared in tv commercials and in television drama, including Country Practice, All Saints and Police Rescue.
BAYSNEWS: Why did you choose the offshore life?
JOHN:My partner, Susan Wallace and I rented for a year on Scotland Island and had friends, Chris and Tessa McVeigh, in Little Lovett Bay. In 2009 they told us of a house three along from theirs for sale. After a very pleasant Sunday lunch we visited the house, talked to the agent – who happened to live next door – and bought the house on Monday morning. We enjoy the wonderful Pittwater community and the relaxed lifestyle here. For the past ten years Susan has organised and cooked for the annual Lovett Bay fire shed dinner.
BAYSNEWS: Each year you and Susan take off for live on the island of Poros in Greece for their Summer. What motivated you to do this, apart from escaping the cold?
JOHN:Both Susan and I come from the UK and have always enjoyed being in Europe. Poros was recommended to us by a friend and we found the lifestyle there was very like Pittwater – relaxed and friendly. In the ten years we have been visiting Poros we have become part of an international group of friends.
BAYSNEWS: What is your idea of perfect happiness?
JOHN: Being with Susan and good friends on Poros or on Pittwater.
BAYSNEWS: What is your greatest fear?
JOHN: Running out of rose wine.
BAYSNEWS: What is the trait you most dislike in yourself?
JOHN: I need more time to find one.
BAYSNEWS: What is the trait you most dislike in others?
JOHN: Slovenliness.
BAYSNEWS: Which person (living or deceased) do you admire, and why?
JOHN: Barry Humphries – as himself or any of his creations. He was without peer. Witty, erudite, funny, not afraid to prick pomposity and with a razor-sharp mind ready with a comment which would have an audience roaring with approval.
BAYSNEWS: What is your greatest achievement?
JOHN: Staying alive this long.
BAYSNEWS: What is your greatest regret?
JOHN: I’ve had a few, but then again too few to mention.
BAYSNEWS: Which talent would you most like to have?
JOHN: A talent to amuse.
BAYSNEWS: What is your motto?
JOHN: Eat, drink and be merry.Life is short.
BAYSNEWS: Living in Lovett Bay you have no road, no car, no garage. Living on Poros you’ve been able to get involved in rally car driving. Has this always been a passion of yours?
JOHN: Yes, I’ve always been interested in cars. My preference is for classic cars pre-1975. While in Poros in 2022 I looked on-line for classic car rallies in Greece and found one that took place through the Peloponnese region, close to Poros. The next year, with a friend we bought a classic 1971 Rover 2000TC and entered the Tour Du Peloponnese. My friend, Paul and I are driver and co-drive and Susan, with Paul’s wife Caroline, are the support crew. It is a wonderful five days on the road for all of us. We had such a great time we have entered as Team Poros for the 2024 event
Note:This Q & A was adapted from Antionette Faure’s 1886 questionnaire.It is thought that when a person answers this questionnaire they reveal their true nature.Its first contributor was Marcel Proust and it is now known as the Proust Questionnaire.
Photo courtesy of Rachel Dulson.