Ballasalla’s most famous resident celebrates his 95^th birthday on 4th Feb.  Sir Norman Wisdom has brought laughter to generations of families through films and TV appearances.  I recently discovered he is as funny off screen as he is on.

This photo was taken by photographer Andy Hollingworth in 2003.  Andy explains how he came to take the photo and the buddle of energy Sir Wisdom was!

 ‘I remember that it had taken several attempts to photograph Norman; I finally tracked him down at a charity golf event at the Carden Park Hotel near Chester. I had an idea of trying to show a 'different' side of him but of course, as soon as the camera came out of the bag there was no stopping him! The only thing you can do in a situation like that where the sitter is just going to do his own thing is to try and work with the composition in a positive way, so... in my subconscious I'm placing the stair rail pillar to his right to mirror him and then looking out for the way the stair risers descend - this all happens really quickly so really you don't notice what's happening in your head!

Norman's assistant was a lovely lady, although she was at least 30 years his junior, I remember she was shattered and wanted a lie down before the tournament started but he was raring to go, just a mass bundle of energy!

I've photographed over a thousand comedians, either for commissioned work or as a fan, photographing Norman still stands in my top ten, I loved his films as a kid and still do. For me they bridge the gap between silent slapstick and the modern film age. The term 'National Treasure' is much overused, but in this man's case it is absolutely true. His work still echoes in contemporary comedy, although they might not admit it, the physical aspects of acts like Lee Evans and Michael McIntyre owe so much to the little fella!  (Andy Hollingworth 2010)