When not writing, John Offord is a political campaigner. Firstly, to adopt the tried and successful jury system for selection of the cabinet, so 12 citizens chosen at random would replace the present cabinet, currently chosen by a tried and unsuccessful system.

Secondly, to get Robert Louis Stevenson recognised as the founder of the EU. RLS is remembered for famously crossing Europe with a donkey.

John’s proudest achievement was winning a prize in the prestigious Sunday Times Chess Competition. The problem posed was: “White appears to be in a commanding position but black has a surprising killer move. Can you see it?” John gave the correct answer which was ”No” and after some correspondence he was given the prize.

And a close second - in central London a taxi driver leapt out of his cab and shouted “You just cut me up – twice.”