July 11th 2019

‘The Story behind the Story’
Paul Howard

Paul Howard was a press photographer so has plenty of experiences in the media. He will be telling us about the stories behind the print versions.

Review of the evening
Paul introduced himself as primarily a toolmaker by trade, making bits for racing cars, working for Lord Hesketh. His hobby was photography and from 1983 progressed to better cameras and started to make a bit of money taking sports photos. He usually found himself at the back of the pack of photographers as he was freelance and the others professional and probably invited!

He had many stories and photos of British racing drivers - Hill, Mansell, Button and Hamilton. One interesting occasion was when he was summoned by his daughter to get to the garage in Towcester to get a story. He witnessed some filming of a car programme with James May and Richard Hammond (not Top Gear.) Who should come onto the forecourt but Sebastian Vettel having just won the British Grand Prix some hours earlier. Paul asked if Seb would have his photo taken with Paul and his car and he obliged. It made the nationals!

The Saints boys who won the Rugby World Cup in 2003 were photographed on their tour of Northampton bus, facing into the camera on the top deck.

Other photos of note were Tony Blair opening  a community centre in East Northampton, Paul with Paul Daniels' brother's wedding in Towcester with Paul D as best man., Earl Spencer's funeral at the Counties Crem., many dog stories, Jane Percival (from Blisworth) and her jumpers for hens. He made several local and National magazines over the years.