Life’s Journey by Lionel Digby

The first lecture of 2025 at Torquay Museum was by Lionel Digby. It was the story of his life. Lionel is  a very young and lively local 89 year old. He is a former member of the household cavalry, hotelier, past owner of an extensive theatrical costume hire and design business, but above all, a former music promoter who brought all the big names to Torquay, including David Bowie in 1972, in the early days of Ziggy Stardust. Lionel is a very amusing and fascinating man, and it is not surprising that he was a big mate of  Screaming Lord Sutch, and was once a candidate for the Monster Raving Loony Party in a general election. (Still going strong- Google it)
No one wanted him to stop, and by general agreement he didn’t, and his talk went on for 40 minutes longer than usual - the Ken Dodd of speakers. Lionel is a very humble man and he summarised what he has learnt so far from his long and happy life. Only family and friends are important, and trying to be always kind, and loyal. His incredible music memories are the subject of another talk, which last year was a sell out on three or four occasions at a Torquay theatre. He met and promoted everyone who is anyone, and brought rock and roll to the South West, only giving up when punk arrived, though he did book the Sex Pistols, a booking which was cancelled by their management after bad publicity. He did very well selling the unused posters and tickets. The lecture hall was full. What a great start to the ‘Spring’ programme.