SECURING the contract to transport Sir John Major along with other senior politicians from London to Salisbury last Wednesday was a chance for Tim Deacon to be reunited with the former prime minister.

The Managing Director of Executive Connection in Salisbury reminded Sir John of the moment he was called to Number 10 in the early hours of the morning to repair the front door.

He explained: “I was working for a firm that had been contracted to install bomb-proof windows into the building following the IRA mortar attack.

“The work had been carried out over some time, but I got a call in the early hours one morning from Prime Minister’s secretary saying they had an emergency because the lock on the door had jammed and they needed it fixed in time for Nelson Mandela to arrive the next morning.

“She sent a car from No 10 to bring me in from the hotel and repair the lock, which must have taken over an hour to do.”

Tim, whose company is part of the Value Cars Group, used a total seven of its vehicles for the Edward Heath inaugural lecture, a fund-raiser for the statesman’s former home in the Cathedral Close, Arundells.

The core of VIPs transported on the day included Dame Shirley Williams, Sir David Steel and Lord Hurd.

Tim said that Sir John Major could remember the occasion very well.

“He thanked me once more for helping out and then pointed out his secretary of the time who had accompanied him to the lecture.”

Tim said he was delighted Executive Connection had secured the transport contract.

He added: “It’s been a busy time for us. I also recently secured the exclusive transport contract for Salisbury Ageas Arts Festival and we transported all visiting artists etc from London / Airports and to and from their respective accommodations in Salisbury to their venues.

“John Cleese was, I suppose, one of the biggest names.”