Hilary Robinson: 'I gave Madness a lift to their own gig in my first car - even though it was a Mini'
Children’s author and radio producer Hilary Robinson says her first car was important for she had just started her first job at Radio Aire in Leeds - and she ended up giving Madness a lift.
She said her first car was a second-hand Mini Clubman two door saloon which she bought in 1981.
Ms Robinson, who lives in North Yorkshire, said: “Independent local radio was in its infancy but growing fast, and it was an exciting time to be part of a new and rapidly developing industry.
“The Mini Clubman had ceased production a year earlier but the more modern, squared-off alternative to the original round-nose Mini was still popular with its mix of retro charm and more modern features such as the two speed window wipers and integrated radio.
“My parents helped me buy it and I paid them back at a rate of £50 a month.
"Owning the car was a crash course in adult responsibilities: insurance, MOTs, fuel costs and the inevitable repairs all had to be factored into my budget and quickly became part of my priorities.”
With a new radio station keen to make its mark, the small team was expected to roll up their sleeves and get involved in promotional work.
She said her “little Mini” helped her explore corners of West Yorkshire she had never visited before, its compact frame navigating narrow streets and winding roads with ease.
She said: “Madness was a popular band even then and were performing at St George’s Hall in Bradford in October of that year.
"Two of the band members came into the studio one afternoon for interview, but when their return taxi to take them to the theatre failed to turn up, my Mini and I were called into help.
“Armed with nothing but an A-Z map, we managed to get lost in the maze of Bradford city centre roads.
"As the crowds began to pour in for the gig, one of the band wound down the window and asked a passerby for directions. “Are you going to see Madness?” they asked. He just smiled and replied, “Yes.”
Her next car was a red Mini Metro, a brand made famous by the then Lady Diana Spencer.
Of her first car, she said: “My little Limeflower green Mini was more than just a vehicle; it was my first real companion on the road of independent living and as such will always hold a special place in my heart.”