14 May 2024
We ask a different figure from the local community to choose 10 questions to answer from a list of 50. This week: Phill Coates, community manager at St Albans City FC, trustee of the Pioneer Club, chairman of Sandridge Scout & Guide Group and co-ordinator for the St Albans CDA Community Garden.
Where do you walk when you want to think?
It has to be Heartwood Forest and surrounding woods. I’ve been there constantly in the 50+ years since I joined Sandridge Scout & Guide Group on the edge of the wood where I have been a Scout, Venture Scout, Leader and presently Chairman.
Where do you go to listen to music?
A difficult choice. Mermaid, Farmer’s Boy and more recently Pioneer Club.
If you could have a conversation with someone who had died who would it be?
My Grandad Percy. A chauffer to the rich, a talented pianist, dance teacher and owner of a garage in Oxford Circus that serviced Rolls Royce’s. So much I didn’t know about him until after he died.
Have you ever had a nickname?
Two that I still have. One that has lasted over 50 years is Sid, but you’ll have to buy me a pint to find out why! The other more recent, Sammy which those who have been visitors over the last 10 years to Clarence Park, home of the mighty Saints will know why!!
Which three people, living or dead, would be your ideal dinner party guests?
Nelson Mandela as he would tell us stories of his road to freedom and once he was freed how he fought for all South African people’s rights. Cat Stevens to tell us about his musical career over seven decades and comedian Chris McCausland to provide entertainment and humour!
Do you play any musical instruments?
I come from a musical family and from the age of seven played the violin in the St Albans Music Festival school and local youth orchestras winning a few medals and a cup which gave me the confidence of being in front of an audience. After a break of 20 years, I have taken up playing the saxophone again but don’t practice enough. Sorry to Jez my teacher!! One day I’ll be able to play the sax solo in Gerry Raffety’s Baker Street!
Who is your favourite St Albans musician or band?
No doubt about this. It’s definitely The Zombies. Not only for me but all our family. Have lost track of how many times we’ve seen them. Enter Shikari a close second as they’re so supportive of St Albans City FC. The Zombies hit Time of the Season is regularly played at St Albans home games!
What’s your favourite St Albans pub?
It’s in Sandridge! The Green Man, a fantastic community pub run by Martin and Jo.
Most inspirational St Albans person – living or dead?
Difficult to put in words how much he inspired me but it’s Phil Wells who encouraged me to do so many activities in my youth as my Scout, Venture Scout and Group Scout Leader and friend and helped shape the person I am today. Sadly he passed early in 2021 after a brave battle with Parkinson’s and Covid, but his family are still actively involved in Sandridge Scout and Guide Group.
