Pete's Interests

This is Pete (and me)

I chose this picture because it is a rare picture of Pete smiling. He does smile but not for photos. It was taken on our patio for somebody special. His hair is in a pony-tail. He loves rock music. Bon Jovi, Metallica, Led Zepplin, Guns 'n Roses to name but a few but his first love is Chelsea FC.

To be honest, people who meet him assume he is an ex-biker who's been in an accident...

We've also been compared to the Osbournes. I must admit, we were similar except our children didn't swear freely (I'd give 'em a clump )and it was me who was the musical one.

He used to go to Stamford Bridge when Peter Osgood, Chopper Harris, Charlie Cooke and that lot were playing. I went with him. They won the FA cup in 1970 against Leeds. These were the days when there was a replay if there was a draw. After the final at Wembley in 1970 it ended up 2-2. The replay was at Old Trafford and Chelsea won 2-1. We would queue up all night outside Stamford Bridge to get tickets for special games.

AND HERE THEY ARE!!

I was in love with Peter Osgood. I also had a soft spot for David Webb.

Now, the nearest Pete can get to Chelsea is the TV or radio. When they score a goal, he gets so excited, there are tears in his eyes. This is probably because he can't jump up and down punching the air so all the emotion comes out in his eyes.

Horse Racing

Pete’s loved horse racing since he was old enough to go into a betting shop. He would also go greyhound racing at the White City before his disability.

He still bets on the horses every day, but I now read them out to him, write the bet out and go and put it on as he can’t do that anymore. It gives him a little excitement. Sometimes he wins, but I suppose over a period of time, he comes out about even. I read him the trainer, the jockey, the form of the horse, whether there is a draw advantage and what number the horse has been drawn.

I knew nothing about betting before I started doing the bets for him, but now, I have to admit, I’m quite knowledgeable. Well…I certainly know the top trainers and jockeys. My favourite bit is reading out the results to him the next day to see if he’s won. I’m very well known in our local turf accountants. It’s a first name thing.