Keith’s remarkable talent for languages came to light when I was obliged to wait outside a public telephone box at King’s and he was chatting inside in what appeared to be an Eastern European tongue. I could overhear this exchange but not identify it. I therefore presumed he was working for MI5 or 6. After completion of the call, I naturally asked him what was going on and he gracefully detailed his skills. I was amazed by his talent and breadth and we then proceeded to spend a delightful late afternoon and evening in discussion of all manner of things. During this exchange it came to light Keith could not speak Geordie, which I offered to teach him but my fee was too high. He claimed some knowledge of lowland Scottish, but I declared the root language was Geordie and an imitator would just not do. Keith was a pleasure to be with and a joy to talk to. I can also state he denied working for MI 6. You are, and will be missed.

Keith Slipper