Renowned Composer and TV Star Jools Holland Visits Alcester
A visit from a household name has brought excitement to the town of Alcester, as pianist, composer, and TV presenter Jools Holland was spotted in the area last week. The 67-year-old, famous for his New Year’s Eve hootenanny show, paid a visit to Alcester Trains and Models on Church Street on Thursday, May 22nd.
According to Dave Parkes, owner of the shop and town crier, Mr. Holland’s visit was a pleasant surprise. "He was staying with friends nearby and they told him about my shop," Mr. Parkes told the Stratford Herald. "He came over because they’d recommended my shop to him really. He’s a very big model railway fanatic." This passion for model railways is not a new development for Mr. Holland, who has been speaking about his love for the hobby in recent years.
Mr. Holland’s interest in model trains began in the 1960s with his father, but it was a meeting with rock star and fellow enthusiast Sir Rod Stewart in the early 2000s that really sparked his enthusiasm. As reported by the Stratford Herald, in 2023, Mr. Holland welcomed TV cameras into his home for the Yesterday programme Hornby: A Model World, showcasing the impressive scale of his model railway set-up, which features 90 feet of track, detailed stations, and landmarks.
During his visit to Alcester Trains and Models, Mr. Holland took the opportunity to explore the town, which he apparently fell in love with. "He told me how wonderful it was and he loved the architecture," said Mr. Parkes. The town’s historic charm and picturesque streets clearly made a lasting impression on the composer and TV star.
As a prominent figure in British entertainment, Jools Holland’s visit to Alcester is a significant coup for the town. His love for model railways has been well-documented, and it is clear that he is always on the lookout for new and interesting places to visit. Mr. Parkes added that Mr. Holland was "a very down-to-earth guy" who was happy to chat about his shared passion for model trains.
The Stratford Herald can confirm that Jools Holland’s visit to Alcester was a private one, and he was in the area to visit friends. His stop at Alcester Trains and Models was a chance encounter, sparked by a recommendation from his friends. The visit has been welcomed by local business owners, who are thrilled to have had the opportunity to meet such a famous and influential figure.
In conclusion, Jools Holland’s visit to Alcester has brought a touch of stardom to the town, and his love for model railways has been highlighted once again. As reported by the Stratford Herald, Mr. Holland’s passion for the hobby continues to grow, and it is clear that he will be seeking out new and exciting places to visit in the future.
Source: Stratford Herald
