NEIL BALDWIN was born in 1946. As a child he was assessed as having (in today's language) learning difficulties, a label which he has ignored to live a colourful life. At various times he has been a circus clown; Stoke City kit man; friend of the famous; active church member and ran his own football team. He has been awarded the Freedom of Stoke-on-Trent and an honorary degree from Keele University for services to student welfare.