Hi, I am Henry Austin. Whilst I was born with the name Henry, you will see below that I have been called at least three other names during my life (very rarely was Henry used, apart from maybe when I was being told off when I was younger – not that that happened very much of course!!!). I was a child during the Second World War and remained in East London throughout. It was certainly an experience, particularly with the doodlebugs heading towards London across the Hackney Marshes! With 100 years since the end of the First World War coming up this Sunday I think it is really important that we continue to remember the amazing sacrifices carried out by those young men. On Sunday I will be attending our own very special gathering at High Beach in Epping Forest, something that I have done year in, year out for over 70 years now.
I am the Grandfather of Chief Banana Matt and I am immensely proud of all that he has tried to achieve with Banana Crumble. He has invested his own time and money in to the venture and, whilst not making money himself, he has enabled nearly £5,000 to be raised for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust – a fantastic achievement. I really hope that he can get some backing to continue this on for a further year and beyond. Well done Matt.
What is your favourite joke?
Patient: Doctor, I have a major problem, I keep going to the toilet at 3am!
Doctor: That isn’t really a major problem?
Patient: Yes it is, I don’t wake up until 3.30am!
What makes you smile?
Posing with a banana stuck under your nose and seeing how many other people have done the same.
What is your favourite good news story?
Recent news from Peter and Sophie Holmes of their successful trek in the Himalayas raising money for Cystic Fibrosis.
What inspires you?
A good night’s sleep, it sets me up for the next day.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
No more war.
If you could have one superpower what would you choose and why?
The Power to unite the world.
What is your favourite food?
Crab. The smellier it is the better
What is your favourite drink?
A good pint of bitter
If you are going on holiday what luxury item would you take from home?
My iPad, I’m 85 but wouldn’t be without it!
If you could make one law, what would it be and why?
You are not allowed to carry weapons of any sort, to prevent so many unnecessary murders
Give us a random piece of information about you that people wouldn’t know?
Whilst my real name is Henry I’m also known as Harry, Squibs and Sonny.
What is your favourite phrase or saying?
I’m not asleep, I’m just resting my eyes
What cause, project or event would you like to promote?
Brittle Bone Disease, a lifelong genetic disorder that causes your bones to break very easily. There is no cure, but treatment is possible
Who is your favourite music artist?
Frankie Lane and Shirley Bassy
Who is the person that you feel has shaped your life most?
My old Governor, Noel Mander (NP Mander Ltd, church organ builders in East London). He always knew what I wanted to do and never argued with me.
PJ’s or not ?
Hot or cold?
Hot
Cat or dog?
Dog
Blue or pink?
Blue
Tea or Coffee?
Coffee
Glass half-empty or half full?
Half empty
Night out or night in?
Night out
Pizza or pasta?
Pasta
Biscuits or cake?
Cake
Wine or beer?
Beer
Football or rugby?
Football
Cinema or theatre?
Theatre
Gym or TV?
TV
Naughty or nice?
Naughty
Silver or gold?
Gold
Tent or hotel?
Hotel
Bath or shower?
Shower
Starter or pudding?
Pudding
Sheets or duvet?
Duvet
Love Island or Game of Thrones?
Neither, I prefer Antiques Road Show!
Finally, apple or banana?
Banana
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