A Family History of the Illustrious, Notorious and Eccentric Lloyds of Birmingham, Brigstock and Pipewell Hall - Flipbook - Page 146
man of Wimbledon denouncing Teddy Tinling as having introduced, "sexuality and sin into British
s" 3 even questions were asked in parliament about it.
Tinling was in a foul mood before the start of the Mixed Doubles Final against Uncle Mike and
Jo, since he had just lost the Mens Singles Final in a match he was expected to win. He had been
ked throughout the match by the whole Corps de Ballet of the Ballet Rambert which had put him
etely off his game. They were paying him back for having barracked them at the Ballet the night
e!
Tinling9s opening remark was to say, aggressively, to Jo, "I should let you know that I have a very
ful smash, and in Mixed Doubles I always smash the ball deliberately straight at the opposing
Uncle Mike responded in his usual quiet voice to Teddy, "I think I should let you know Teddy that,
into account what you have just said, I will keep a spare tennis ball in my pocket throughout our
, and on the very first occasion that you deliberately smash the ball straight at my partner, I will
ntil you are least expecting it and hit the ball as hard as I can at you where it will hurt you most".
quently, Teddy did not hit a single smash straight at Jo throughout the match. Uncle Mike and
Jo won that Mixed Final.
marrying Aunt Jo, Uncle Mike started to work for her Physic family firm, who were leading
ercial caterers for social functions such as society weddings and balls, the Farnborough Air Show
ncle Mike's entrepreneurial flare, architects skills and exquisite good taste were given full rein.
the lease for 23 Knightsbridge their main London society event venue expired, he found a derelict
ouse at 30 Pavilion Road, gutted it completely, and installed handsome staircases and period
en panelling throughout. It was an instant success and has stood the test of time.
Mike used his architectural skills to great effect for all the Lloyd relations. When Sally and I moved
MacManniston Farm in Ayrshire in 1959, he visited us, showing how en suite bathrooms could be
in to spaces which our local architect had ruled out as impossible! He masterminded the
ormation of my mothers' flat in St James9s Place by removing a partition wall, and was a constant
e of advice to her.
Mike also had a very shrewd eye for London property bargains, advising his relations on one
rty purchase after another. He formed a property company Margrange, and developed a range of
le investments which greatly enriched its family shareholders.
e all Uncle Mike was wonderful company, since he had the most delightful sense of humour, with
nite range of stories, some of which may have been figments of his vivid magination. He could
fascinating twist to any conversation.
