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ABOUT IAN

Keith McGowan jokes that Ian Armstrong took his fathers large shoe business and turned it into a small shoe business.  However, not many people can claim that they were made Victorian of the year in 1988.  Ian is a professional Antiques and collectibles valuer and collector boasting one of the biggest private collections in the southern hemisphere.  Ian is heard with us each Sunday at 7.35pm valuing Antiques and collectibles and discussing historical Melbourne.

THE QUESTIONNAIRE

WHAT IS YOUR FULL NAME?

Ian Maxwell Leslie Armstrong OAM (Order of Australia Medal) JP BCom Melb

WHERE IS YOUR PLACE OF BIRTH?

Middle Brighton, Vic (1943)

WHAT IS YOUR CAREER HIGHLIGHT SO FAR?

Being named "Victorian of the Year, 1988" for preservation of our heritage at the Victorian of the year ball - Grand Hyatt, and being presented it personally by H.R.H Prince Charles, and having six dances with Princess Diana that night.

TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOURSELF WE DON’T ALREADY KNOW

I once owned a Poll Hereford Stud. 

I was "Mr Penny Farthing" in MOOMBA for many years in top hat and tails on my Penny Farthing. 

I was "Mulga Bill" in the film "Banjo's Australia

I was in the official (French produced) film of the 1956 Olympics introducing Melbourne

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE SONG?

Bruce Woodley's Australian Anthem "I AM AUSTRALIAN" - We are One... But we are Many...."

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE BOOK?

John Speeds "History of Britain since the Romans to the present time" 1632 - Published just after Shakespeare's death.  I have an original copy.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE TV SHOW?

Fawlty Towers

ANY HOBBIES?

Collecting Whales teeth (scrimshaw), Penny Farthing Bicycles, Paraphernalia, Georgian shoe buckles.

3 DINNER GUESTS YOU’D LOVE TO HAVE?

Derryn Hinch, Ron Barassi, Neil Mitchell

WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?

My father Max who is 95 next birthday & a military strategist in WWII advised me many times "First define your objects".

WHAT ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT?

My wife Mary, family & collecting.  I also enjoy radio - particularly 3AW - I wouldn;t be without it.

WHAT IS YOUR PET HATE?

Smoking.  My brother is a pathologist and sees the results.  My stepfather has just had a drastic operation caused by heavy smoking.  Smoking is anti-social, dirty and unhealthy.

WHAT IS YOUR WORST HABIT?

Walking around with my portable radio.