The Steeple Times asks the journalist and equestrian expert Victoria Spicer: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”
The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom.” What’s your guiding force?
Sat nav, usually.
“Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?
I’m stealing my motto from someone else – “Don’t gamble with what you can’t afford to lose.” Wise words, and not just applicable to my fairly lamentable betting technique.
Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2012?
Animal suit onesies.
Tony Blair misses being Prime Minister. What do you miss most in your life?
I’m in the process of moving to the Surrey countryside so I dare say I’ll miss London, easy commutes, a plethora of restaurants, twice weekly trips to the cinema and the Canary Wharf skyline.
What might you swap all your wealth for?
I’d gladly swap my wealth for somebody else’s. I doubt they’d be delighted with the deal though.
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 blame Kerry Katona.
What phrase or word do you most loathe?
“At the end of the day.” Ghastly.
In the UK, some people consider charity to “begin at home.” What’s your view and what causes do you personally support?
I ran the London Marathon in 2008 in aid of World Horse Welfare so that’s a biggie.
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?
As my friends will tell you, I never look at my phone, and I certainly don’t pounce on it the second I see that little red flashing light.
If you could fill a carriage on The Orient Express, who would be your fellow passengers?
Scotland’s rugby team, Andy Murray, Daniel Craig, Elbow, Ross Noble, Ryan Gosling, and a handful of my closest female friends to redress the balance.
If you were unfortunate enough to end up on death row, what would be your last meal and where would you eat it?
Fillet steak, on the run.
What time is it acceptable to consume the first drink of the day?
12.01.
A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?
Can’t I have a cold glass of Pinot Grigio instead?
Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?
The post-show parties during Olympia Horse Show are usually pretty memorable.
Who is the most positive person you know?
Not sure I know many – or if they start off positive, I soon drag them back down to earth with a healthy dose of cynicism.
What’s your most guilty pleasure?
Made in Chelsea.
If a tattoo were to sum you up, what would it be of?
Snow Fairy. Class mare. Unfortunately for her, I can’t stand pain and have no desire to get a tattoo.
If you were a car, what marque would you be?
I’m quite like my own car – an MX5. Looks like it could be fun to drive but is actually rubbish at getting up hills and handles terribly. Plus it’s either boiling hot or freezing cold, never in between.
Cilla Black presented “Surprise, Surprise.” Tell us the most surprising thing about you.
I’m related to Cilla Black… And I’m a compulsive liar.
What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?
I’m about to move house so I currently have no mantelpiece – but I’m working on it.
Victoria Spicer is a freelance journalist. She is also press officer for the All England Jumping Course at Hickstead and web editor for Horse & Country TV.
View Victoria Spicer’s website at: http://www.victoriaspicer.co.uk