Welcome back everyone and I hope you are all living life in the fast lane. If you are well done and if not cling on to the wreckage as that is life. We must all adapt as age takes its toll. Decades ago I could run 100 yards in five seconds but today I can only run ten yards provided it is downhill and wind assisted. However, enough about my flatulence health problem and today I am going to take you behind the scenes regarding Elstree Studios.

From 1988 until 1996 I had the pleasure to serve as the chairman of the Save Elstree Studios campaign, which was launched by the production manager of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade that was shooting at the Studio at the time. Alas, Pat Strack had to leave the campaign a few months later but we carried on. From 1993 I was a bit of a lone voice but thankfully in 1996 we triumphed and Elstree Studios was saved.

At the time, for the one and only time, Hertsmere Council was controlled by Labour and the council was threatened with the idea of it being taken over by a greater Watford or St Albans unitary authority. Hertsmere had sold its their housing stock, meaning it had £60 million in the bank for capital projects and that would go to the new authority. Thus, luckily, they were cash rich, enabling them to buy Elstree Studios. I was appointed chairman of the overseeing company and I pressed for the building of two new large stages, now known as the George Lucas stages. From memory the cost was £5 million, but they gave the studio a future hope.

In 1997 I learned that I was to be awarded the MBE for my efforts, which was very flattering, although I suspect they had simply run out of school crossing ladies or similar that year.

I went to Buckingham Palace for the investiture, fortified by vodka on my cornflakes, and it was a splendid affair. Alas the palace did not even provide a cup of tea, but it was fun. HRH Prince Charles did the honours and during our brief chat whilst he was pinning on the medal we spoke about Elstree Studios and he recalled visiting the facility with Lord Mountbatten whilst Murder On The Orient Express was in production in the 1970s. I suggested he might like to come again .

I contacted the then Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire Simon Bowes-Lyon and the plan came together over the next two years. By 1999 the two new sound stages had been erected and it was decided Prince Charles would open them. It suited the Palace as I think HRH had made his first public appearance with Camilla the night before and they needed a secure environment for his next day engagement.

I had the pleasure to help show him around the studio on the day and he was great. However, there were a couple of incidents that remain in my mind 18 years later. Firstly, the sound stages were fitted out with displays and catering for a couple of hundred invited guests. The idea was I would help show Prince Charles around the displays. We came to a Star Wars exhibition and I knew the media were waiting to get a shot of him meeting Darth Vader, Prince of Darkness. It was the obvious photo opportunity for the world press who were gathered. However, just as we were approaching the exhibit a palace official said to me: "we don't want that sort of photo, so block it". That meant I had to stand in front of the prince, thus blocking the photographers' shot. You can imagine the words they were whispering to me! Don't ask me the reason as I have no answer.

Then Prince Charles was to address the gathered guests. A few months earlier the palace had asked me to write some notes for him to use in his speech, which I did. Then a week before the event the leader of Hertsmere Council asked me the same favour, which I did. On the day, as the leader began his introduction to the event, I noticed Prince Charles, who was sitting behind him, was crossing out passages from his speech. To my horror I realised I had given them both the same notes! This is probably why I never got a knighthood. As he left he said to me: "I understand you have been involved with Elstree Studios a long time and I hope you continue." Alas, the following year Hertsmere Council changed political control and I was phased out, which is showbiz. I am still proud of those years and to see Elstree Studios thriving is wonderful. So when you watch Strictly Come Dancing next month, filmed on one of those stages, remember this is how that facility happened. I hope my recollections are not too boring, and until next week keep smiling.