He is also a keen model railway enthusiast and has recently agreed to become honorary president of the club.
Before his career in music, writing songs and producing records with Mike Stock and Matt Aitken and garnering hits for stars including Kylie Minogue, John Travolta, Rick Astley and Steps, Mr Waterman began life as a steam railway fireman.
He now owns several full-size locomotives and runs one of the largest model railways in the UK, as well as his own model railway company, Just Like the Real Thing.
When he was asked by Jersey Model Railway Club member Derek Lawrence to become the honorary president, Mr Waterman didn’t hesitate to say yes.
The club treasurer and exhibition manager, Daniel Avrill, said: ‘Having Pete as part of the club will give a boost to our recruitment drive and also provide us with a higher profile. We feel sure that with such a famous name associated with our club it will help to bring other new members through the door as well as giving a boost in numbers to our annual exhibition.
‘It was very kind of him to so readily agree to take on this title.’
And it may be possible, when time allows, for Mr Waterman to pay the club a visit. ‘Keeping in touch with Pete – as he has asked to be called – and updating him on our activities will be a main priority. As time goes on, it may be that he will eventually come to Jersey to see us, hopefully culminating, in a year or so, in him actually opening our annual exhibition,’ said Daniel.
In this year’s exhibition the club has teamed up with several other organisations, including Jersey Post who are offering a free prize draw in connection with the Hornby stamp issue earlier this year.
This afternoon there will be a spinner demonstrating their traditional skills, artist Lesley Lawrence will be displaying some of her artwork and gift cards, and a new book issued by club member David Tisdale will be available.
St Peter’s Battle of Flowers Association will be providing the catering tomorrow and on Bank Holiday Monday, and there will also be a chance to look round their Battle float.
Directions to the exhibition will be signposted on the major roads and there will be plenty of parking available nearby.
More information about the club is available on their website.
