Chief reporter Jack Tolson revisits the Chronicle Archives of April 1991

CENSUS OFFICIALS SET TO RENEW BATTLE WITH MAN WHO NEVER WAS

THE mild-mannered, middle-aged man from Royston, who cannot be named because of strict rules governing confidentiality, has consistently refused to fill in his census form so, according to the Office of Population and Censuses, he does not exist.

Anyone refusing to complete a census form when the count is done on April 21 faces a fine of up to £400.

The Royston man decided to be prosecuted ten years ago when the last census was done rather than undergoing the invasion of privacy he felt the census represented.

Graham Wood, who was census officer for Barnsley in 1981, said of the man who never was: “You could not wish to meet a nicer, mild-mannered chap.

“But he had principles and felt his home was his castle and refused to fill in his census form point blank.

“The trouble was, his wish for confidentiality and privacy backfired when he appeared at magistrates’ court.

“One could not wish for a more public place.

“He was never abusive, never nasty.

“After the court hearing, he apologies for wasting time and money.

“He said he would rather pay a fine every ten years than fill in his census form.”

CABBIE MARK’S ‘DRIVING DESIRE’ FOR SHOWBIZ STARDOM

CABBIE Mark Rhodes has a driving ambition that has nothing to do with his current job.

For 27-year-old mark is a budding television and film actor, who drives a local taxi while ‘resting’ between engagements.

Mark first became interested in acting while at Priory School but for a while that was as far as his involvement went.

He left school and began work as a lorry driver.

But a burning ambition to become an actor remained and, in 1987, he quit his job and became a mature student in drama.

He had all but given up hope until in September 1990 he answered an advertisement by CTV, and was accepted for a part in Soldier, Soldier.

Since then he has appeared in several further episodes as well as Boone, Brookside, London’s Burning, Chancer and Making Out with his latest appearance being last Thursday in a live telecast of Crimewatch UK.

WEMBLEY FA CUP DATE FOR HOYLAND ‘KEEPER

HOYLAND’S Mark Crossley will walk out under the twin towers of Wembley next month aiming to bring an end to the FA Cup-winning dreams of Tottenham Hotspur.

For Crossley is the 21-year-old goalkeeper of Nottingham Forest.

He played for Hoyland Common Falcons as a youngster, them represented Hoyland Town Jaguars and was on the YTS with Watford before signing for Forest.

The Hoyland lad also played with Barnsley’s Carl Tiler in the England under 21 side.