FOR MANY years The Oldie has published unusual, funny, extraordinary and sometimes terrifying accounts of chance meetings with the famous or the infamous – just a small selection can be found here. We are currently collecting 70 of the best encounters into a book, due out later this year.

Anthony Powell by Nigel Day

The snobbish writer was in need of a plumber – but how badly?

Enoch Powell by David Thomas

Enoch 'rivers of blood' Powell required a little assistance with his DIY.

Philip Larkin by Glyn Lloyd

Not the sort of boy to whom you'd want to lend your cigarette cards…

Albert Pierrepoint by P L Steer

What do you say to Britain's last hangman when he asks you to assist with an execution? Yes, of course…

Peter Cook by Flora Hinton

No, not the comic genius, the other one – who stalked the streets of Cambridge in the mid-70s