John was my best friend since I met him in 1963 when
he lived at Brougham Street in Kings Cross. We had become associated
with the Hubbard Association of Scientologists International at around
the same time... and many years later departed it at the same time. He
was a generous and kind person of unusually good character, who helped me
through my explorative, turbulent teenage years. He was the mainstay of my personal
circle of friends.
During those early years, every Sunday was get
together day at his home where friends were greeted with "Good
Evening and Salutations to you."
He would stand tall, click his heels together and stroking his
moustache with a grin from ear to ear and hands together in a prayerful
way ask with a chuckle, "Would you like a cup of tea and a bikkie Broughton" and
finish with the mocking laughter of
a polite butler. Being polite was John's signature behaviour mode.
A group of friends gathered around the crackling logs
and hot coals of his open
fireplace
to enjoy always, a variety of teas from a huge pot with
Arnott"s Cream Biscuits and Chocolate Coated
Oatmeal served with great conversations about art, literature, history, Magick,
Esotericism and
Scientology all to the tune of Yma Sumac or other major symphonic
works.
He created a safe haven for many of his bohemian friends.
He
is always with us. I am never having tea and biscuits without him.
To be continued......
The kindest man with a heart of pure gold
