After nearly 50 years in radio and television, John Deeks (Deeksie) our Guest Speaker at Tuesday's Zoom meeting kept us amused with his charm and relaxed presentation.
We couldn't quite "Come on Down" on Tuesday evening but thanks to the wonders of modern technology (and between football updates - John is another Collingwood supporter) our members and guests Zoomed in to hear just a short part of John's very busy life.
After a short explanation of how he found his way into his long career - doing major damage to a piece of family furniture we believe - John opened up the floor to his audience and responded to a variety of questions from members and guests. We had a number of visitors including Ian Salek's brother "Archie" - though I think his name is Andrew - who had worked with "Deeksie" in the past. And also a special guest, former broadcaster Clarke Hansen, a good friend of Ian's who was interested in hearing John's story.John spent a considerable amount of his working life with Channel 7 as announcer, game host and voice-over artist. He started his career at 2GR in the Riverina, later taking his mellifluous tones to 2GB and 3AW. Many questions related to the many people he had worked with. He told the story with great delight of a Price is Right show where he was the late Ian Turpie's side-kick and voice-over and a contestant, Mary Ostopotpopolus, (he assured us was her real name and according to John was a "rather fulsome lady") who was wearing a "boob-tube" top jumping up when he called her name, bouncing down the aisle, her top going everywhere. By the time she reached the stage, the top was around her waist and the look on Ian's face was just too much. At one stage, we were wondering where the story was going and he has probably told it more than once.
John shared a secret - he has dyslexia. As a little boy in the 1950s, nobody bothered to find out why he had a problem reading or encourage him to overcome his "disability". When he started in radio he had no problems with the voice part but when was given the scripts he had difficulty reading them. So go figure - his choice of career h
as helped him overcome the perceived problem.
as helped him overcome the perceived problem. And how did John get difficult names and places right in his recording and announcing - he practiced over and over until he got it right - truly professional - no matter what the occasion. When asked about any plans for retirement, John was adamant that he keeps himself fit with regular gym sessions and time on his boat down at Sandringham. He eats sensibly and intends to keep on talking until he drops. There are still many places he would like to visit (when we are allowed to). As he approaches his 70s, John remains a popular Master of Ceremonies at corporate events and he is the co-presenter of YourLifeChoices’ Mind Your Own Retirement.