Shaun and his partner Sue
Sir Robert Mayer
Never mind how some mothers do have ‘em, what about sons?
I met up with former fellow hack Shaun yesterday at a floating birthday bash on the River Cam given by our genial friend Howard.
It seems Shaun’s mother married Sir Robert Mayer, the philanthropist and major supporter of music for young people. She had been his nurse.
The distinguished Sir Robert was one of the founders of the London Philharmonic Orchestra and his 100th birthday was a national celebration which included a gala concert at The Royal Festival Hall attended by the Queen.
Only the bride was 54 and the groom was 101 and he ended up in the Guinness Book of Records for being the oldest man in the country to tie the knot.
The union lasted until his death aged 106.
Lady Jacqueline Mayer made Monaco her home so a couple of years ago Shaun and Sue jetted off to the South of France to pay her a visit.
When they arrived, the concierge rang up to her appartment, but she refused to see her son. He says there was no particular reason for the brush off. It was cruel and eccentric to say the least and draws gasps of amazement from whoever Shaun tells.
It’s a very strange and sad tale and one Shaun doesn’t mind me sharing.
What do you make of it?