Uniquely You: Geoff Hooton

🌎 I was born in Southport. We were by the seaside, so I grew up sailing. I had my sights set on joining the Royal Navy, but my eyesight wasn’t good enough. Someone from the Army called me and that’s how I ended up joining at 16 – I worked my way up to sergeant and had a great time. I spent 21 years in the Army, half of them in Germany. It was like a little England where I was based, so I didn’t need to speak much German! We went on trips to Belgium, The Netherlands, East Germany, Poland and Sweden, but also to train in Canada and the US. After returning to England for two years, I went on another posting in Germany – this time to Berlin, and it straddled the time when the Berlin Wall came down. My wife and I stood near the Brandenburg Gate on the first night and it was incredible. The things I remember most were hundreds of Trabant cars smoking around the place – and all the shops were empty for days as the former East Germans enjoyed some shopping.

📚 I love reading, especially westerns, science fiction and historical books. My all-time favourite is Chickenhawk by Robert Mason – it’s one I could read over and over again. There’s just something about getting lost in a good story. Books have been a constant companion throughout my life.

🚐 I bought a motorhome 18 months ago – a Bessacarr E725, a white Fiat van. Since Fiat is Italian, we nicknamed it Gus (short for Giuseppe). Most of my family are up north and accommodation can be expensive, so Gus is perfect for visiting them. It’s been a game-changer for family trips.

🎸 My favourite artist is Pink Floyd. Their live version of ‘Echoes from Pompeii’ is unbeatable. I used to go to a lot of concerts, but these days, I’m into watching documentaries about cars and anything automotive. I also love riding my e-bike. When I’m in the north, I cycle around Pendle Hill; and down here, I like riding along the river.

🥘 Routine is important to me. I wake up at 5am, finish work by 4pm and then I go on my exercise bike or e-bike. Evenings are for reading and cooking dinner with Mrs Hooton. It’s the perfect way to wind down.

🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒 I have four boys, nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild. How would they describe me? Grumpy. But I wouldn’t have it any other way.

🏆 I was honoured to win the Harrods Award for Excellence (HAFE) for We Take Pride. I was nominated by Camila Cross, our operations manager. It was a huge surprise. I don’t normally win things! Harrods has been a special part of my journey. Winning the HAFE is something I’ll never forget – it was a proud moment, and I’m so grateful for the recognition.