Well, what can I say. I had forgotten about this photo. When I first viewed it yesterday I thought it was our Iranian agent, Bijan Nabavi and two of his lovely daughters but now I realise I was completely wrong. Yes it is Bijan and I remember exactly the circumstances whereby the photo was taken. I have told this little story before but I will repeat it for those who have forgotten.
It was during the 1986 Tehran International Trade Fair that the Iranian agent for one of our best customers, Lansing Bagnall Fork Lifts, invited a small group of us to his house for an evening get together. Not expecting much excitement we made the effort, tidied ourselves up and off we went to his villa set in the northern suburbs of Tehran. We found the place which appeared to be in darkness. After knocking on the door we were greeted by our host and invited in. The door was firmly locked and we were escorted through to the main living area where a veritable feast was laid out. Wonderful food supplemented by a goodly selection of alcoholic drinks were on display. Both John and I were knocked out but the best was yet to come. The agent after introducing his wife and a couple of other Iranians asked if we would like something to drink. Of course we both said yes and looked at what the other half dozen or so Brits were drinking. I think John had whiskey but not sure whatI had. It was then the agents two young daughters appeared to serve us (with the drinks). One was in a mini skirt and the other was wearing hot pants. Blimey I thought! No wonder the doors firmly locked and the curtains drawn. After that our glasses were kept topped up by these two nubile young things who also helped their equally lovely mother serve up the food.
It was much later in the evening when things were beginning to wind down that I found myself with John looking across the room to the young girls who were sitting on the stairs on the other side of the room. John had that lustful look in his eye and I said to him be careful, they are the daughters of the agent of our best customer. It was then John came out with one of those witty repostes that he was so good at. With that wistful look in his eye he said… ‘You know what Holmsie, next time I’m gonna come back as a step’.
As I’ve said many times there are still loads of stories and old photographs kicking around out there waiting to be heard and seen.
