I’ve been everywhere, man…

…sang Johnny Cash. David Smith, who entertained members and guests at the latest meeting of Dunstable Probus Club with a fascinating talk about his life as a sports journalist, could probably have joined in. Thirty years with the Evening Standard, covering Formula One, golf, football and boxing, gave him a passport that must have needed more pages than most.

Formula One was a particular feature, and David spoke warmly of drivers he came to know, including Nigel Mansell, Ayrton Senna, Johnny Herbert and Martin Brundle. Then there was golf, where he was fortunate enough to see Tiger Woods play an almost impossible shot at Augusta’s 16th hole. And, for a little variety, he interviewed Mike Tyson—not once, but twice.

Tyson was not particularly fond of journalists and was reluctant to discuss boxing. At the second interview, a group of journalists was getting nowhere until an American reporter tried a different tack and asked about Tyson’s daughter. It proved a masterstroke: Tyson immediately became more forthcoming and happily talked about his family. It seems that, when interviewing Mike Tyson, the secret was not to mention boxing!

But things didn’t start out that way. David’s early thoughts of “how about journalism as a career?” were triggered by watching Cliff Michelmore’s emotional reporting of the Aberfan disaster in 1966. His school record was less encouraging however: a failed English O-Level hardly seemed the ideal preparation for a career involving the written word.

Undaunted, he applied to join the Hemel Hempstead Gazette. After an initial rejection, he was invited to become a junior reporter. Even then, his future remained on somewhat dodgy ground.

When David submitted his report of the grand opening of Tring Town FC’s new ground by Elton John, his editor asked the devastating question: “What about the concert?” David had nipped off to join his mate in the pub once the dignitaries had cut the ribbon and disappeared into the clubhouse—completely unaware that Elton had then sung some of his hit songs.

Fortunately, his editor decided to “let that be a lesson”, and David went on to much greater things. One suspects that, after that particular episode, he developed a keener interest in what happened after the ribbon-cutting.

For once, Graham Smith was almost lost for words, but he was able to express sincere thanks to David for an excellent talk, followed by a generous round of applause.

Sharing in this fascinating talk was new member Terry Custance, who was warmly welcomed into membership of the club by Chairman Denis Myers.

Dunstable PROBUS Club meets on the second Monday of the month and membership is open to retired or semi-retired professional and business women and men. The Club’s main purpose is the promotion of good fellowship and if you would like to come along, please contact us on 01582 608242. The next meeting will be held on Monday 12th October 2026 when lunch will be followed by John Matthew’s renowned music quiz.