Paul Daniels was born on 6th April 1938,
at 51 North Street South Bank Middlesbrough. His parents father
Handel Newton Daniels and mother Nancy Daniels, managed the local Hippodrome Theatre. Paul's first taste of
magic came at the age of 11. He was on holiday at the time, staying with
friends, when he discovered a book called How To Entertain At Parties,
which contained several magic card tricks.
Paul was fascinated by the tricks the book contained, and soon became
hooked on magic. "From that moment, I can safely say that all I ever
wanted to do in life was to become a professional magician".
Unfortunately for Paul, he had to knuckle down to the more mundane things
in life, like growing up and going to school. Stardom had to wait, at
least for the time being. However, his interest in magic increased, and he
was soon entertaining at parties and youth clubs. In 1983, he was presented with
the prestigious Magician Of The Year Award by Hollywood's Academy of
Magical Arts, before a star-studded audience in Los Angeles. It was a
tremendous achievement for Paul, becoming the first magician from outside
the USA to receive the award. He was married for the second time to Debbie McGeeon 2nd April 1988.
Fletcher Christian
Seaman and ringleader of the mutiny against Captain William Bligh on the Bounty in
1789, born in Cockermouth, Cumbria. Educated at Cockermouth Grammar
School, he declined to go to university, and joined the navy instead at
the age of 18. He served with Bligh on various ships, and was selected by
him as midshipman on the Britannia sailing to the West Indies in 1787. A
close friendship developed, and Bligh appointed him as first mate on the
Bounty. After the mutiny, Christian and eight other mutineers took refuge
on Pitcairn I, where they founded a settlement. In all probability, he was
killed by the Tahitians.
Brendan Foster born in Gateshead, was a triple Olympian,
placing fifth in the 1972 Munich 1500m. Brendan dominated long distance running
in the 19 70's. He also ran for the Gateshead Harriers at cross country
events. Brendan commentates at the Olympics and commonwealth games. A Toon
fan through and through he ran around the running track at Newcastle's FA
Cup final appearance in 1974.
He used to have an executive box at St James's Park. He was a school teacher from
1970-74 and then Sports and Recreation Director at Gateshead until 1981.He
was married in 1972 and had kids he basically lived a fairly normal life.
He ran to work in the morning and ran home again at night and would like to be
remembered for the way he ran. In 1980, Brendan retired from active
athletics. His career as a commentator began shortly afterwards. He was
also the brains behind Britain's biggest annual road race, The Great North
Run. Brendan was awarded the M.B.E in 1976.
Wendy Richards
was born Wendy Emerton, daughter of Henry and Beatrice Emerton on 20th July
1943 in Middlesbrough. During the sixties she was number one in the pop charts on
Mike Sarne's 'Come Outside' record. She has been married three times first
to Leonard Blach 1972 - 1974 divorced then married Will Thorpe 1980 - 1984
divorced then married Paul Glorney 1990 - 1994 divorced. She named her dog
a cairn terrier "Miss Brahms" after her 'Are you being
served' role. She has also been in Dad's Army but she is now seen as
Pauline Fowler in EastEnders. Wendy was awarded an M.B.E. in the Millennium Honours List.
