BEN’S BLOG: ‘Thank you, Martin Johnstone’

[dropcap]I[/dropcap]f there is a royal family of West Country professional-gamblers and bookmakers; Martin Johnstone would certainly be the king.

My first full-time job was at City Index, the now defunct sports-spread-betting firm (I must have sent them skint, Blog!). It was another age then, and pro-punters were allowed to roam free and bet on and on. ‘City’s’ shrewdest and most successful punter; was Martin. When he placed a bet, the money would spread right across the industry, and before your eyes, you would see all the prices move, in unison, his way; of course. And it really was quite incredible, Blog. All of the phones around us in the office would ring, with people who worked for the other bookmakers, following in his bets. Let me think now – maybe that’s more than a little reason as to why his accounts always remained open so long..!! And the results: well, let’s just say that he very rarely left his money behind…

I was invited down to Martin’s homeland; Bournemouth. I will never forget, being a young and ever ambitious seventeen year old, ready to attack the game, in my clapped out Ford Fiesta, making my way to the promised land, of absolutely GUARANTEED winning punting!

Martin was, and remains, an old-school bookmaker. He operated the time honoured tradition, of getting a pitch at the local dog-track and racecourses, and then started a betting-shop chain and credit office, built on a reputation of respect and knowledge of all the local ‘faces’. The best way, but sadly, so rarely seen now.

PIC: Martin Johnstone’s JEM Racing was named Independent Bookmaker of the Year in the 2011 Betview Awards at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London’s Park Lane.

What started that day in Bournemouth, was one of the most important and genuine friendships of my life. Martin, the best judge of a greyhound and price I have ever met, and after betting at dog-tracks all over the country, there have been many; taught me about far more than just odds. He was my first and kindest mentor. Always there, as I struggled forward in the desperate learning process this game dolls out to those who go it alone. Again and again, he helped me clear up the pieces, dust myself down, and start again.

All these years later, his ladyfriend recently organised a fabulous surprise 50th birthday for him. And I made my way down, for the first time in years, once again, to Bournemouth. Walking into the big room, it really was a step back in time and almost tear-jerking to see all the old faces again (my favourite being the great ‘Gerbil’!). Martin’s most loyal and dear soldiers.

The next morning, we had a walk along the beautiful sandy beach in Bournemouth. So many memories flowed back, and it occurred to me that I have known Martin for over half of my life now. Even amongst all the ups and downs, and doing my bollocks AT LEAST a million times, it really has been a fantastic journey, Blog. I must say that.

Martin Johnstone, YOU, are one of the original Not-Staffs. Its certainly not for a weakling like myself to knight you. I thank you for your great kindness and friendship over the years. I will always be eternally indebted to you.

In other news:

I met up, yesterday, with old friend of mine and Star; Peter Burrell. Peter is probably the nearest person I know, to an actual real-life celeb. He has been an agent for many different famous people over the years, and I am informed by him, that I have almost reached his name-dropping top 30, which really is quite and achievement, Blog. Peter has his finger on the pulse in the West End, and told me that Chelsea is an area that is really struggling now. I have never been a fan of the Kings Road, but he said that too many of the residences in the area are owned by wealthy foreigners, who just park £8million in the houses, only to visit a couple of times a year. Several of the more trendy restaurants have now closed, and many of the retail outlets aren’t doing the business once expected.

He also said that the West End shows have been struggling too, with many closing down, due to punters only ‘playing’ when they can get a half-price ticket. The long-running ‘We Will Rock You’, unbelievably, will be one of the first casualties. Too many people sitting at home, eating crisps, and watching reality tv rubbish, if you ask me!!

Tony Betfair has read, digested, and now commented on yesterday’s blog. His response reads as thus: ‘MEGA TOPS YOUR A CHERUB’.

Over and out, Ben x