Manfred on the line

Manfred was head of the panel of editors who interviewed me when I applied to Reuters in 1986. I heard nothing back for some time afterwards, and eventually decided to phone the staff department from a public call box to ask if they had any news for me. To my horror, they put me straight through to Manfred, who started grilling me all over again. I strained to hear him as buses rumbled past, and scrabbled to find 10p pieces in my pockets as my money ran out every few seconds. I have no idea what I told him, but apparently he was satisfied. Thirty-eight years later, I am still in the Baron’s employ - thank you, Manfred. ■