Tailwheel,
If the Newcastle bloke you refer to is the one I'm thinking of he's an absolute legend. Total gentleman and a brilliant instructor/examiner. Used to wear motorcycle boots. Ex Esso bizjet CP and was the Beech demo pilot for a number of years. A more unassuming and humble man you'll never meet. Glad to hear he's still well. Lived near Lockinvar?
Nuf.