Island Life Magazine Ltd February/March 2011 | Page 48

interview Island Life - February/March 2011 Anthony Goddard being presented to HRH the Queen by Chris Bland (Lord Lieutenant) while Alex looks on May 2004 Scrumdiggity, formerly Special Bitter, and Fuggle-Dee-Dum are among the brews that have won numerous awards for their quality and flavour. With around 400 customers that stock Goddards beer at some time, there are about 100 Island outlets that have it on tap throughout the year. Anthony was the Island’s High Sheriff in 2004, a year which he says was extremely interesting, and confirmed to him that the Isle of Wight is a very special place to live. He said: “When I had the problems with Lloyd’s it was never a question of trying to find anywhere else to live. We wanted to stay here. Apart from anything else, we have lots of friends that are not easily replaced.” Away from brewing beer Anthony’s 48 big passion is historic motor racing, and for the past 11 years he has raced a succession of 1960's cars from Formula 5000 to a shared sports racing car. Currently he takes his 1961 Formula Junior Tojiero on circuits throughout Britain, and abroad. He was also treasurer and company secretary of the Historic Sports Car Club. “Last year I went mad and went to Monza, Hockenheim, Nurburgring, Spa, Dijon, Silverstone three times, as well as Brands Hatch, Knockhill, Oulton Park and Goodwood. It was a conscious decision to get on with it while I am still able - which is unlikely to be much longer at this rate!,” he said. “I have also had autogyros in the back of my mind, for some time. So I bought one a couple of years ago, and this summer I intend getting my gyro licence. So when I finish motor racing I shall play with the autogyro and see if I can do myself some damage in that! I also love skiing, which I started back in 1959, and looking back I feel I have been lucky.” Many people have complimented Anthony on the way he bounced back from the Lloyd’s financial blow. But he insists: “You have two choices; you either sit around feeling sorry for yourself, or kick on. I had a lot of support from my family, and I found it easier to kick on.” Anthony left it until near the end of the interview before revealing how the Goddards beer ‘Duck’s Folly’ got its name. He laughed: “It’s an anagram – and the second word is Lloyd’s!” Visit our new website - www.visitislandlife.com