The snakes and ladders of society.
A chronicle of drama, scandal and success in London, Paris, New York and elsewhere
The Steeple Times asks restaurateur Russell Norman: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”
The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force?
I am guided by the usual human forces, but my permanent motivation is work.
“Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?
“Live as if you were to die tomorrow, but learn as if you were to live forever”. Also: “Don’t fuck it up”.
The Steeple Times asks classical singer Natalie Coyle: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”
The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force?
Passion. I’m driven and motivated by many things – the desire to succeed; live, love and laugh. I think it’s important to be passionate about everything you do.
“Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?
At school, my favourite book was The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood. A phrase from that has always stuck with me – Nolite Te Bastardes Carborundorum (“Don’t Let the Bastards Get You Down”). This always motivates me to persevere and push through any negativity – so often encountered in the music industry.
Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2013?
People who have achieved a ‘celebrity’ status without any discernable talent.
Tony Blair misses being Prime Minister. What do you miss most in your life?
My fun filled university days at Sheffield, living with my closest girlfriends.
What might you swap all your wealth for?
I’ll let you know when I’m in a position to answer that! 😉
Donald Trump was once a case of: “If you owe the bank a thousand, they close you down; but if you owe the bank a billion, you own the bank”. What’s your view on the banking crisis?
It sucks. And I don’t “own the bank”.
What word of phrase do you most loathe?
I’m always running late & I hate being told to “hurry up”.
In the UK, some people consider charity to “begin at home”. What’s your view and what causes do you personally support?
I believe it’s important to work with charities where you can contribute and make a personal difference. I have performed for The Prince’s Trust charity on numerous occasions and regularly perform to the patients at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital.
The judge in Law Abiding Citizen states: “I can pretty much do whatever I want” before being blown up whilst answering her mobile phone. What’s your view on the appropriate use of such devices?
I’m an iPhone addict – happy & proud to admit it. I also don’t drive so that’s not so much of a problem.
If you could fill a carriage on The Orient Express, who would be your fellow passengers?
Friends, family… and Frank (Sinatra, that is).
If you were unfortunate enough to end up on death row, what would be your last meal and where would you eat it?
Steak and chips. Maybe a Daim bar for dessert.
What time is it acceptable to consume the first drink of the day?
I didn’t know there was an unacceptable time.
A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?
I’d love to say a vodka martini. But in reality, as a singer, it’s more likely to be tea.
Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?
My boyfriend, Zafar Rushdie, runs a PR company (Rushdie Media) and they throw a lot of really fun parties for some great brands. There’s always a really fun mixture of people… and they work with great caterers.
Who is the most positive person you know?
Zafar is irritatingly optimistic at times – although he labels it ‘optimistic realism’. My mother is also a very positive influence on me (if that counts).
What’s your most guilty pleasure?
The Mail Online website and eating M&M’s in bed.
If a tattoo were to sum you up, what would it be of?
I’m not really a fan of tattoos.
If you were a car, what marque would you be?
A “Dolly car” (Citroën 2CV). Some of my earliest memories were in one of these driving to school with my mum.
Cilla Black presented Surprise, Surprise. Tell us the most surprising thing about you.
People are always surprised to hear I’m a classical singer.
What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?
My TV.
Natalie is a classically trained soprano who has sung with the likes of Susan Boyle, Il Divo, Blake, Andrea Bocelli and Katherine Jenkins.
View Natalie Coyle’s website at: http://www.nataliecoyle.com
Follow Natalie Coyle on Twitter at: http://www.twitter.com/coylenatalie
The Steeple Times asks matchmaker Deborah Walker: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”
The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force?
‘The positive thinker sees the invisible, feels the intangible and achieves the impossible”. (more…)
The Steeple Times asks musician and architectural historian Oliver Gerrish: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”
The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force?
My guiding force is optimism.
“Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?
“Wealth and fame”! Just joking, I think that “I’ll sing for my supper” would be a good one!
Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2012?
Bad architecture.
Tony Blair misses being Prime Minister. What do you miss most in your life?
Singing in The London Oratory Schola, which I enjoyed so much. I also miss my grandfather, who died recently. He was a constant source of fun, support and love.
What might you swap all your wealth for?
I would swap all my wealth (maybe “paltry savings” would be a better phrase) for a chance to present a TV show exploring the history of architecture and music in Britain. It would be great if it became a great success and made me lots of money and educated people about the wonderful heritage we take so for granted.
Donald Trump was once a case of: “If you owe the bank a thousand, they close you down; but if you owe the bank a billion, you own the bank”. What’s your view on the banking crisis?
I don’t like to borrow money and I think it is utterly wrong for the banks to be supporting peoples’ misadventures with borrowing at the expense of other non-borrowing clients who can ill afford to bail out the former with their hard earned savings.
What phrase or word do you most loathe?
“Babe”.
In the UK, some people consider charity to “begin at home”. What’s your view and what causes do you personally support?
I believe that by supporting smaller charities with far reaching ideals one can make a real difference. I run a charity music series called the Chelsea Concerts with soprano Alexandra Kennedy and we have now raised over £15,000 for various charities, including The Cystic Fibrosis Trust, SSAFA, The Rhinology and Laryngology Fund, The Rifles’ Care for Casualties and others. Each time, along with raising money for the charities, I have felt enlightened about these causes and educated about the extraordinary people and causes that are helped by these charities. I am also a Trustee of The Georgian Group and started The Young Georgians. We are the UK’s major architectural preservation charity. I was also recently involved with The Lady R Foundation and it’s fundraising for Veteran’s Aid.
The judge in Law Abiding Citizen states: “I can pretty do whatever I want” before being blown up whilst answering her mobile phone. What’s your view on the appropriate use of such devices?
Never use a mobile phone or have it on at a concert. It’s always the people with the worst and loudest ring tones that leave them on.
If you could fill a carriage on The Orient Express, who would be your fellow passengers?
Wowzers! Boris Johnson, Britney Spears, Rosamund Pike, the composer James MacMillan, my Grandmother Molly Lefebure, Henry Conway and my other closest friends, a pretty new girlfriend, The Dowager Duchess of Devonshire, Jenny Agutter, Lady Lucinda Lambton and The Queen.
If I could have a few spectral guests too they would be Edith Sitwell, Winston Churchill, Georgian architect Robert Adam, Grace Kelly, Sir John Vanbrugh, M. R. James, Cecil Beaton and The Queen Mother.
If you were unfortunate enough to end up on death row, what would be your last meal and where would you eat it?
Smoked salmon and smoked mackerel pate with a very cold Diet Coke.
What time is it acceptable to consume the first drink of the day?
A glass or two at lunch if with friends and then after 6pm otherwise.
A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?
Negroni or a cup of tea, depending on the weather. I hate martinis.
Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?
Older friends because they love to mix the generations and one comes back feeling full of information and also the food and drink is mostly better.
Who is the most positive person you know?
My mother.
What’s your most guilty pleasure?
Burger King XL bacon double cheeseburger.
If a tattoo were to sum you up, what would it be of?
A well-proportioned Palladian house.
If you were a car, what marque would you be?
Make? Probably an old VW Golf as mine works well, isn’t at all showy and gets me from A to B.
Cilla Black presented Surprise, Surprise. Tell us the most surprising thing about you.
I am a total country bumpkin at heart and like nothing more than being back in Derbyshire at The Barley Mow pub catching up with my friends there.
What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?
A punk rocker shaped scrubbing brush, a model of The Queen who waves her hand when the sun touches her bag (so not very often), my flatmate’s invitations (mine are on the shelf opposite since we are very competitive!) and some photographs of our mad garden in Derbyshire.
Oliver Gerrish is an architectural historian, countertenor and founder of the Young Georgian Society.
Read Oliver Gerrish’s blog ArchMusicMan at: http://archmusicman.blogspot.co.uk/
Watch his show reel at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=LRXboRYT3fs
For information on The Georgian Group go to: http://www.georgiangroup.org.uk
For information on the Chelsea Concerts: http://www.chelseaconcerts.com
Follow him on Twitter at: http://www.twitter.com/oligerrish
Victoria Aitken launches a single for Valentine’s Day
This Valentine’s Day, the electro-house chart topping singer-songwriter Victoria Aitken, daughter of the former Conservative minister Jonathan Aitken, has released her latest single, Kiss Me.
Of what inspired her to write it, Aitken comments:
“Sometimes we are left ‘un-kissed’ and it can just be so depressing! I was inspired by my time with an Italian man, chatting and flirting over cocktails night after night. I then became annoyed, wondering when he was going to make his move. I believe many women and men feel like this: there is a certain vibe and then nothing”.
Produced by Marc JB, who has remixed seventy #1 UK dance chart hits for artists such as Lady Gaga and Rihanna, the single features a cover by the up-and-coming British visual artist Zoobs. In it, Aitken wears a headpiece and eye veil by Jane Taylor, a milliner who has created headwear for amongst others Paloma Faith and The Duchess of Cornwall.
The French romantic writer Victor Hugo once stated: “A compliment is like a kiss through a veil” and Victoria Aitken in Kiss Me certainly explores this further.
To listen to Kiss Me, go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3P2AW6S5UI
Sarah Tucker explains the types of mother she thinks exist in the school playground
In a short video for Netmums, best selling author Sarah Tucker educates viewers about the ten types of mums she believes frequent school playgrounds. Her insights are both amusing and revealing.
What’s your view? We look forward to receiving your comments below.
Watch the video on YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FnW0pz1XeA&list=UU43QDbPR1s23wM4utg03ZGg&index
Buy The Playground Mafia by Sarah Tucker on Amazon at: http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Playground-Mafia-Sarah-Tucker/dp/0099498456
The Steeple Times asks former footballer and television personality Neil “Razor” Ruddock: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”
The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom.” What’s your guiding force?
My dad.
“Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?
If anyone hits you, hit them back twice as hard.
Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2013?
Speidi.
Tony Blair misses being Prime Minister. What do you miss most in your life?
Frankie Dettori.
What might you swap all your wealth for?
World peace.
Donald Trump was once a case of: “If you owe the bank a thousand, they close you down; but if you owe the bank a billion, you own the bank.” What’s your view on the banking crisis?
It’s great because I’ve got fuck all.
What phrase or word do you most loathe?
“I’m not opening my legs, I’ve got a headache”.
In the UK, some people consider charity to “begin at home.” What’s your view and what causes do you personally support?
World peace and nurses.
The judge in Law Abiding Citizen states: “I can pretty much do whatever I want” before being blown up whilst answering her mobile phone. What’s your view on the appropriate use of such devices?
Ban mobile phones.
If you could fill a carriage on The Orient Express, who would be your fellow passengers?
Kate Winslet, Donald Pleasence and King Kong.
If you were unfortunate enough to end up on death row, what would be your last meal and where would you eat it?
A meal with Pussy Galore off James Bond.
What time is it acceptable to consume the first drink of the day?
When one wakes up.
A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?
A cup of tea.
Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?
Ann Summers because. Exactly.
Who is the most positive person you know?
Ann Summers.
What’s your most guilty pleasure?
Ann Summers.
If a tattoo were to sum you up, what would it be of?
A grizzly bear.
If you were a car, what marque would you be?
A Fiat 500.
Cilla Black presented “Surprise, Surprise.” Tell us the most surprising thing about you.
I used to cry at “Surprise, Surprise”.
What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?
Elvis.
Neil “Razor” Ruddock is a former professional footballer, television personality and actor. He debuted at Millwall and had a long career playing for Tottenham Hotspur, Southampton, Liverpool, West Ham and Crystal Palace. He appeared in I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! in 2004 and Celebrity Big Brother in 2013.
Follow him on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/RealRazor
The Steeple Times asks “super-tutor” Topes Calland: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”
The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom.” What’s your guiding force?
The mantra I use with my students is: “clarity, confidence, creativity”.
“Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?
“Neither here nor there”, because I’m generally not.
Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2013?
Kerry Katona.
Tony Blair misses being Prime Minister. What do you miss most in your life?
The freedom to stay in one place for any length of time.
What might you swap all your wealth for?
I’d be lucky if I could convince someone to swap my wealth for a family-sized packet of Revels.
Donald Trump was once a case of: “If you owe the bank a thousand, they close you down; but if you owe the bank a billion, you own the bank.” What’s your view on the banking crisis?
Cash is King.
What phrase or word do you most loathe?
Crampon.
In the UK, some people consider charity to “begin at home.” What’s your view and what causes do you personally support?
Charity should, and inevitably does, begin at home. I’m a keen supporter of educational charities, or any charity that involves giving people a second chance.
The judge in Law Abiding Citizen states: “I can pretty much do whatever I want” before being blown up whilst answering her mobile phone. What’s your view on the appropriate use of such devices?
My ‘phone is one step up from two cups and a piece of string. I like to be able to call, and be called, in an emergency. Everything else can wait.
If you could fill a carriage on The Orient Express, who would be your fellow passengers?
A random sample of people from the Argos on High Street Ken. I went there a few weeks ago looking for multi-coloured Christmas lights and it really does contain the most disparate cross-section of society.
If you were unfortunate enough to end up on death row, what would be your last meal and where would you eat it?
Anything based around egg-fried rice. I bloody love it. So long as I have my rice, I don’t much mind where I eat it.
What time is it acceptable to consume the first drink of the day?
It rarely occurs to me to drink anything much stronger than Um Bongo, so I’m tickled pink any time have a craving for a tipple; it makes me feel like a real grown-up.
A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?
See above.
Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?
Any party that doesn’t involve fancy dress. I don’t care if I sound miserable; I get slight acid reflux on my back molars just thinking about it.
Who is the most positive person you know?
I try to avoid people who are too inanely positive. I prefer ‘quietly optimistic’.
What’s your most guilty pleasure?
Channel 4’s Coach Trip. In fact, I’m not even particularly guilty about it. Scrap my answer to the ‘Orient Express’ question; I’d much rather go with the contestants from any given season of Coach Trip.
If a tattoo were to sum you up, what would it be of?
I’m a bit of a baby when it comes to needles, so something small and essential… preferably on somebody else.
If you were a car, what marque would you be?
Probably a Ford Mondeo, or something equally unintimidating.
Cilla Black presented “Surprise, Surprise.” Tell us the most surprising thing about you.
I hate surprises. I was a much bigger fan of Blind Date which is why I’m enjoying this interview so much.
What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?
I don’t have a mantelpiece but if I did, I’d sit on it, just because I could.
Topes Calland is an Oxford graduate and the co-founder of Howard Calland Education Consultants. He has become well known for tutoring the children of rock stars and royalty.
For more information, go to: http://www.howardcalland.com
The Steeple Times asks the Bond Street couturier and Huntsman co-owner Roubi L’Roubi: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”
The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom.” What’s your guiding force?
“Achieve the ideal”, striving for perfection in my craft. Indeed, I am reminded of this every day, because I am lucky enough to work with the team at Huntsman who really are the finest tailors and cutters in the world.
“Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?
Misericordie et beneficentie sunt omnes (Compassion and kindness are all).
Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2013?
Abuse of human rights.
Tony Blair misses being Prime Minister. What do you miss most in your life?
Not having time for my horses.
What might you swap all your wealth for?
The health and well-being of my partner and my family.
Donald Trump was once a case of: “If you owe the bank a thousand, they close you down; but if you owe the bank a billion, you own the bank.” What’s your view on the banking crisis?
It’s time to do things differently. In Africa there is a microfinance scheme called Sundouk. A small number of people (usually women) get together and pay in a set amount, regularly, say once a month. Each time a member is given the total paid in on that day to invest in their business or do whatever they need to do. The next month, someone else receives the full amount. It works.
What phrase or word do you most loathe?
“I” and “want”.
In the UK, some people consider charity to “begin at home.” What’s your view and what causes do you personally support?
I think we have to think in terms of a global home. Children hold our future in their hands so I support the NSPCC and Childline.
The judge in “Law Abiding Citizen” states: “I can pretty do whatever I want” before being blown up whilst answering her mobile phone. What’s your view on the appropriate use of such devices?
Couldn’t live without it, I text my mother all the time – it’s a miracle to connect with someone 5,761 miles away, instantly. But I always put it away when I’m with anyone and get in a rage when that someone doesn’t follow suit.
If you could fill a carriage on The Orient Express, who would be your fellow passengers?
My partner and then a selection of our friends who are always rushing. The Orient Express is very slow, it would do them so much good.
If you were unfortunate enough to end up on death row, what would be your last meal and where would you eat it?
Fruit, particularly berries, and a pot of PG Tips tea.
What time is it acceptable to consume the first drink of the day?
Lunch, with food.
A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?
Tea, so long as it’s PG .
Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?
Our own – because we’ve chosen the guests. It’s great to mix people and see how they mix together and enjoy each other.
Who is the most positive person you know?
Joanna our seamstress.
What’s your most guilty pleasure?
Movies. I love watching movies with friends. Nothing beats a film, popcorn and Diet Coke enjoyed in good company.
If a tattoo were to sum you up, what would it be of?
Tattoos don’t work for me.
If you were a car, what marque would you be?
My favourite car is a Porsche Boxster so I’d like to think we are similar.
Cilla Black presented “Surprise, Surprise.” Tell us the most surprising thing about you.
I have a degree from Imperial College, London in mechanical engineering.
What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?
The most beautiful blue-grey crystal and silver flask containing perfume created by my mother. It’s a rich, deep mix of sandalwood and musk. It brings back beautiful memories.
Roubi L’Roubi is the founder of the Bond Street couturier Roubi L’Roubi and the co-owner and creative director of iconic Savile Row tailor Hunstman.
Huntman: http://www.h-huntsman.com
Roubi L’Roubi: http://www.roubi.eu
The Steeple Times asks the model Leah Newman: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”
The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom.” What’s your guiding force?
Global warming.
“Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?
The bigger, the better.
Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2013?
It is still Kerry Katona.
Tony Blair misses being Prime Minister. What do you miss most in your life?
Margaret Thatcher.
What might you swap all your wealth for?
I’m very, very wealthy.
Donald Trump was once a case of: “If you owe the bank a thousand, they close you down; but if you owe the bank a billion, you own the bank.” What’s your view on the banking crisis?
I love it.
What phrase or word do you most loathe?
“Bastard” because it is rude but “ cunt” is acceptable in the bedroom.
In the UK, some people consider charity to “begin at home.” What’s your view and what causes do you personally support?
Cancer.
The judge in “Law Abiding Citizen” states: “I can pretty much do whatever I want” before being blown up whilst answering her mobile phone. What’s your view on the appropriate use of such devices?
Vibrators are good at vibrating but I like strap on ones.
If you could fill a carriage on The Orient Express, who would be your fellow passengers?
Superman.
If you were unfortunate enough to end up on death row, what would be your last meal and where would you eat it?
A cucumber in my mouth.
What time is it acceptable to consume the first drink of the day?
12.05am.
A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?
A cup of tea with no sugar because I am sweet enough.
Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?
Frankie Dettori’s because he gives free drinks.
Who is the most positive person you know?
Me.
What’s your most guilty pleasure?
Prawn salad from Waitrose.
If a tattoo were to sum you up, what would it be of?
Don’t judge a book by its cover.
If you were a car, what marque would you be?
I would be a Mercedes Benz because I would corner like it was on rails.
Cilla Black presented “Surprise, Surprise.” Tell us the most surprising thing about you.
I am intelligent.
What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?
Candles.
Leah Newman is a model and the wife of former footballer, television personality and actor Neil “Razor” Ruddock.
Follow her on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/leahcelebmodel