Pics from Elton John's iconic 1978 calendar shot in Watford

The 1978 calendar was photographed here in Watford.

Even though many parts of Watford have changed since then, you can still work out where Elton John is in the pictures.

Here we list a few of the photos from the calendar and some of Elton John’s descriptions to match the image.

Sitting by the pond

Sir Elton John by the pond (Image: Watford Museum and Malcolm Orvis)
"Well apart from watching the passers-by, listening to the splash of the fountains in the pond, hearing the patter of tiny pigeons’ feet and noting the pleasant contrast of Tudor brick and modern architecture, I’m waiting for the central library to open.
"That’s when you get in to read all the daily newspapers free of charge."

Driving in a car

Sir Elton John driving around central Watford. (Image: Watford Museum and Malcolm Orvis)
"One of the highlights of the afternoon session around central Watford was this sequence.
"Once upon a time, as all stories start, I used to hare up this road from the High Street Station, jostling my way through the crowds on the way to Vicarage Road.
"This time I was chauffer-driven with a local journalist hiding in the back seat to keep out of the picture.
"Every time he tried to get up, I thumped him on the head… down dog, down.”

Watford FC

Sir Elton John with Watford FC (Image: Watford Museum and Malcolm Orvis)
“My major love at Watford… Watford FC, my fellow directors and the playing staff. The club’s manager, Graham Taylor prepares very soundly for every match, in fact every eventuality.
“Judging by the way he is looking, seating on the end there, we’ll being fielding a team of worm next season.
“But seriously folks, football is my first love. I used to stand on the terraces in wind and rain in the old day and I have never lost my enthusiasm for the game. Becoming chairman of Watford realised my biggest ambition in life.”

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Standing by the pond

Sir Elton John standing by the pond (Image: Watford Museum and Malcolm Orvis)
“Three corns in a fountain. No, I’m not taking the waters of Watford or practising for another live outside broadcast.
“This was just the only way we could get the fountains, me and the Town Hall in the same shot.
“I’ve only done one outside broadcast in Watford and that was at Vicarage Road, on the pitch. We won’t be doing that again in a hurry… the groundsman didn’t speak to me for weeks.”

Figtree tomb

Sir Elton John said the Figtree tomb has fascinated him. (Image: Watford Museum and Malcolm Orvis)
“As long as I can remember the Figtree tomb in Watford Parish Church yard has fascinated me. A man who did not believe in the here-after asked to be buried with a seed which would germinate so that his relatives would know this soul was still alive.
“A fig-tree grew from the tomb at the beginning of the last century and that made a lot of people think he’d made it.
“The only trouble is that the tree has since died, so I don’t know where that leaves you folks. Anyway, there is an interesting contrast of ancient and modern in the church precincts.”