Bamber Gascoigne

I always enjoy University Challenge no matter who chairs it.
But I did think Bamber was marvellous on it. I didn't realise that Jeremy Paxman has Parkinson's. That is sad. I had noticed his slurring of words a little though.
Another fan here of the sadly missed Rik Mayall, I loved him.

hollysteers

Rather fond of Bamber and liked his manner, big improvement on grim Paxo, can’t stand him. Every Etonian I’ve met has a charm and Bamber was the spit of a beloved intellectual boyfriend who died aged 37.

Grim Paxo went to Malvern, very down market compared to Eton ?
I think he was there at the same time as my friend's DH.

Stopping at a crossing in Richmond one day many years ago I saw Bamber Gascoigne strolling along the High Street, looking slightly scruffy and very relaxed. I did a small double take when realising it was him, our eyes met and he smiled and raised his hand. The lights changed...and that was my one moment of 'meeting' a celebrity!

Oh, defintely no drinks after then, Mamie. It was: 'This way out, there is the bus stop. Goodbye'

When we got back to Newcastle, we were interviewed by a local newspaper reporter who asked me what I thought of Bamber Gascoigne. One of my fellow team mates, said sarcastically. 'Oh we thought he was wonderful' which I promptly disagreed with, but the reporter didn't hear the sarcasm and thought that was what I really thought and that was what appeared in the local newspaper. I think I might still have the cutting somewhere.

I wish they would replace the one they have now. I know he has Parkinson's Disease and I am sorry for that but he really is unsuitable and so condescending. I can't often watch because I get blocked but I do like the show apart from him.

The free bar was afterwards MOnica. We stayed in the ghastly hotel too. ?

You lucky girl Danni
Yes, he was absolutely gorgeous

FannyCornforth

Yes! My favourite was the Ferris wheel one.
I love anything with Rik Mayall in it. In fact, I love Rik Mayall ?

Many years ago I met Rik Mayall when I worked on an order line for a well known mail order catalogue and we were asked to man the phones for a charity evening - maybe Red Nose Day I can't remember. A few celebs came round to say Hi to us volunteers and Rik was one of them. In real life he was very dishy and one of the girls on the phones called out to him to give her a kiss - which he did - I asked for a kiss too and, much to my delight, he came over and gave me a kiss. And I have never forgotten it I was very sad when I heard he had had an accident and died

A lovely gentleman.

Rather fond of Bamber and liked his manner, big improvement on grim Paxo, can’t stand him. Every Etonian I’ve met has a charm and Bamber was the spit of a beloved intellectual boyfriend who died aged 37.

Calendar Girl You are right he inherited East Horsley Court froma great-aunt when he was about 80. It was in poor condtion when he inherited and set about restoring it and turning it into a community asset. Grange Park Opera built a theatre in its grounds.

Mamie I have no memory of any bar at all, that merely means I do not drink much and certainly not before the competition. Afterwards we were, as I remember, directed to the bus back to our hotel, which was in an insalubrious part of Manchester.

How sad another person that everyone...of our generation, had heard of and knew what he did has died. Condolences to his family and friends.

Oops.
Back to Bamber; I didn't realise he was that age, he us one of those people you imagine as always being the same, year after year.

Yes! My favourite was the Ferris wheel one.
I love anything with Rik Mayall in it. In fact, I love Rik Mayall ?

I love 'Bottom' as well.
Are you a Bottom fan? (There is a question I never thought I'd ask!)

I had to watch The Young Ones very surreptitiously (when my mom was watering the lawn actually) as she didn’t approve!

I remember you saying that before Miss A, I’m glad that you’ve seen the picture!

My favourite episode ever!!!

Oiks, obvs

‘Rah rah rah! Let’s smash the oils!’

He seemed delightful. The parody on The Young Ones was wonderful as well - affectionate, not cruel.

I think he inherited a sort of stately home in his later years. Unexpected I think, though I may be remembering this incorrectly.

I met him when DH was on University Challenge. He was absolutely charming to everyone. Did you get the free bar MOnica. ?

It's sad if someone posts something unpleasant when someone has just died.

This started as a condolence thread.

I found him quite supercilous and dismissive of our team (from Durham), much preferring to hobnob with the Oxbridge teams
You may think that M0nica but he was universally known for his impeccable manners and unfailing politeness, even when that wretched team answered every question with Che Guevara
Calm and unflappable but never supercilious
I think Jeremy Paxman would have lost it with them and given them short shrift, but not Gascoigne.
With all due respect, might your memory be partisan?