The Steeple Times asks hospitality consultant Debbie Eybers: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”
The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force?
“My belief in right and wrong”.
“Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?
“We plan, God laughs”.
The Steeple Times asks photographer Debbi Clark: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”
The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force?
My son Luke with his eccentric ways and my daughter Sophia who keeps me grounded.
“Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?
Whatever you decide to do, enjoy it. Otherwise change direction.
The Steeple Times asks entertainment journalist, author and teacher Ben Falk: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”
The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force?
Generally being pessimistic and then being extra pleased if something good happens.
“Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?
“There are two kinds of people in this world. Those that love Neil Diamond and those that don’t” – Bill Murray. I might be paraphrasing, but it’s very true.
Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2013?
I met Kerry once and she forced me to take a picture with her and her then husband, despite my protestations. In fact, to be fair her ex did most of the suggesting. So, I would probably say being forced into having your picture taken (not necessarily with a minor celebrity).
Tony Blair misses being Prime Minister. What do you miss most in your life?
Running around building forts and pretending to camp on the field opposite my house. That or living somewhere sunny.
What might you swap all your wealth for?
Batting number 4 for England and scoring a century at Lord’s whilst defeating Australia in the Ashes.
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?
All I know is according to the papers, everyone in the investment department of my bank seems to be getting massive bonuses and I earned £6 in interest last year on all my accounts. I think that says it all, no?
What phrase or word do you most loathe?
Whenever someone says that their God is better than someone else’s God.
In the UK, some people consider charity to “begin at home”. What’s your view and what causes do you personally support?
Chuggers do annoy me – I’ll decide when I want to give, thank you very much. And it often depends on how drunk I am when Comic Relief is on. Saying that, I give money to the WWF and a cancer charity. Although I remember getting irritated when I offered a homeless person a sandwich and he asked me what the flavour was and rejected it when I told him. That probably makes me a terrible person.
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?
Having your phone on in the cinema particularly offends me, unless you are waiting for the birth of your child or something. Not sure it’s murder-worthy, but people Tweeting during a film is just pathetic. You’re not that f****ing important.
If you could fill a carriage on The Orient Express, who would be your fellow passengers?
John Irving, Roald Dahl, Graham Thorpe, William Goldman, Kermit and Han Solo. No, not Harrison Ford: Han Solo. I’m married, otherwise I might well say Jennifer Connelly or Winona Ryder.
If you were unfortunate enough to end up on death row, what would be your last meal and where would you eat it?
I would eat it on the cricket pitch in Little Marlow, Buckinghamshire in the late afternoon mid-summer sun. What would I eat? Rare steak, French fries, a bar of Dairy Milk, chocolate sponge and a pizza from Amigos in Nottingham circa 1994.
What time is it acceptable to consume the first drink of the day?
Whenever I bloody feel like it.
A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?
Don’t know what the first one is, the second one is just a posh way to drink a vodka shot, so a cup of tea – milky English breakfast with no sugar.
Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?
I actually like my own if I’m cooking, because it’s fun and you feel like you’ve contributed. Although I’ve been lucky enough to go to some amazing parties. Watching John Legend play Rocket Man with Elton John after the Oscars, getting hammered and dancing with a cardboard cut-out of David Hasselhoff at a film premiere party in New York… Since I’m a hack, I suppose I enjoy any party with a free bar. You should always watch the journalists at a party: we know the exact place to stand to get first dibs on the canapés.
Who is the most positive person you know?
Everyone’s a bit depressed these days, so I don’t really know. David Cameron?
What’s your most guilty pleasure?
A good quality single malt whisky.
If a tattoo were to sum you up, what would it be of?
I hate tattoos, so none. Although looking at it, I now appeared to have answered that question in a rather existential way. That’s not the intention, I just despise tattoos.
If you were a car, what marque would you be?
Marque? What the fuck does that mean?
Cilla Black presented Surprise, Surprise. Tell us the most surprising thing about you.
I went to the same school as Christopher Nolan, who directed the Batman films. I told him so after I interviewed him for Batman Begins. He didn’t give a shit.
What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?
Wedding pictures, Neil Diamond song lyrics my wife gave me as a present, an action figure of BA Baracus out of the A-Team and a photo of me playing quite a nice off-drive in 1995.
Ben Falk is an entertainment journalist, author and teacher. His published works include Robert Downey Jr.: The Fall And Rise Of The Comeback Kid, Television’s Strangest Moments and The Wonder of Brian Cox.
View Ben Falk’s website at: http://benfalk.net
Follow him on Twitter at: http://www.twitter.com/benfalkwriter
The Steeple Times asks Michelin starred chef Michael Wignall: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”
The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force?
The quest for perfection and happiness.
“Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?
“Fail to prepare, prepare to fail”.
Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2013?
Hoop earrings, pink velour tracksuits and Crocs.
Tony Blair misses being Prime Minister. What do you miss most in your life?
Going to work when it is light, and coming back from work when it is still light.
What might you swap all your wealth for?
Youth.
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?
Self-indulgence, greed and arrogance.
What phrase or word do you most loathe?
“Wow factor” and “wow experience”.
In the UK, some people consider charity to “begin at home”. What’s your view and what causes do you personally support?
Looking after each other should be close to everyone’s heart but unfortunately this is sometimes not the case. I support Action Against Hunger, Street Smart, Macmillan and Make a Wish.
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?
They have brought everything available to your fingertips, but by doing this it has alienated us from the art of conversation.
If you could fill a carriage on The Orient Express, who would be your fellow passengers?
Picasso, Audrey Hepburn, Penelope Cruz, Jackson Pollock, David Hockney, Auguste Escoffier and anyone else who can bear me for an hour stuck on a train.
If you were unfortunate enough to end up on death row, what would be your last meal and where would you eat it?
Fugu in the cellars of Dom Perignon.
What time is it acceptable to consume the first drink of the day?
12 o’clock.
A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?
A martini.
Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?
Someone else’s, due to the fact that they are paying for it.
Who is the most positive person you know?
Believe it or not, a private wealth management banker I know.
What’s your most guilty pleasure?
Espresso and champagne.
If a tattoo were to sum you up, what would it be of?
The sun, because no matter how horrible the day has been, it never fails to rise.
If you were a car, what marque would you be?
A Lotus: unreliable, unpredictable but once you get to know it, its unforgettable.
Cilla Black presented Surprise, Surprise. Tell us the most surprising thing about you.
I actually don’t shout and scream all the time.
What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?
Nothing. I detest clutter.
Michael Wignall at The Latymer opened in November 2007 when Michelin starred chef Michael Wignall moved there from The Devonshire Arms Hotel in North Yorkshire. He was awarded two Michelin stars in the 2013 Michelin Guide and five AA Rosettes in the 2012 AA Restaurant Guide. Olive magazine termed him: “The best chef you have never heard of”.
Michael Wignall at The Latymer, Pennyhill Park Hotel, London Road, Bagshot, Surrey, GU19 5EU. Telephone: +44 (0) 1276 486150. Website:
http://www.pennyhillpark.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE_HOTELS/eating_and_drinking/the_latymer.aspx
Follow Michael Wignall on Twitter at: http://www.twitter.com/MichaelWignall_
Michael Wignall will host his first ever pop-up restaurant and tasting menu every evening from 15th to 18th May 2013 at The Rib Room Bar & Restaurant, Jumeirah Carlton Tower On Cadogan Place, London, SW1X 9PY. Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7858 7250. For more information and to book, go to: http://www.theribroom.co.uk/michael-wignall/
The Steeple Times asks experimental disc jockey and background actor Morgan Delle Piane: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”
The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force?
All the virtues.
“Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?
Equality and diversity.
The Steeple Times asks head sommelier of The Rib Room Bar & Restaurant Louise Gordon: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”
The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force?
Family, friends and the aim of one day owning my own business.
“Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?
“Per Ardua ad Astra” – “Through Adversity to the Stars”. Both my parents are ex-RAF so it is the first motto that I learnt and the one that has stuck with me.
The latest bizarre turn in the John Goodman case
Rather like the twisters that often hit the coast of Florida, the story of the case of the polo mogul and multimillionaire Goodman stereo manufacturing heir John Goodman has again taken another turn.
On Friday, it was revealed that a juror in the case that had resulted in Goodman’s conviction had lied about his ex-wife’s own DUI during jury selection. As a result, a retrial has now been granted.
The Steeple Times asks drinks industry guru and blogger Gary Hazell: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”
The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force?
“Go with your inner instinct”. I always think that most of us know instinctively what is right or wrong.
“Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?
I’d agree with that. I have a salmon priest in my backpack right now to prove that.
Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2013?
She still is.
Tony Blair misses being Prime Minister. What do you miss most in your life?
I miss Tony Blair.
What might you swap all your wealth for?
I don’t have any.
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?
The more you owe, the more likely you are to get away with it. If you go to the bank with a good idea, they’ll turn you down. Bankers only care about what they can make rather than how profitable a business may be.
What phrase or word do you most loathe?
“Like”.
In the UK, some people consider charity to “begin at home”. What’s your view and what causes do you personally support?
Charity should begin at home and if you look at our country we give away so much abroad but don’t do enough for our own infrastructure and the elderly.
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?
There are occasions when I hope that certain individuals on phones should be blown up. Not everyone wants to listen to your conversation. There is an appropriate time to use them.
If you could fill a carriage on The Orient Express, who would be your fellow passengers?
Molly Parkin, Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Jeremy Paxman, Jeremy Clarkson, Sir Derek Bell, Clive Anderson and Howard Marks.
If you were unfortunate enough to end up on death row, what would be your last meal and where would you eat it?
My own liver sautéed and a fine glass of Bordeaux. I assume I’d be in my cell but if not I’d be by a stream. I love fishing and have my own blog writing about my adventures on the water.
What time is it acceptable to consume the first drink of the day?
Anytime.
A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?
An aged Martinez cocktail made with the gin I promote, Sloane’s.
Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?
Those given by Matthew Steeples.
Who is the most positive person you know?
Definitely not my stepfather. My wife is an eternal optimist so she’s most definitely the most positive.
What’s your most guilty pleasure?
Scrumping.
If a tattoo were to sum you up, what would it be of?
I admire tattoos but probably wouldn’t want to endure the pain of having one done. If I had to, it’d be of my birth sign, scorpio. I suppose that means I have a sting in my tail.
If you were a car, what marque would you be?
A Jaguar D-Type.
Cilla Black presented Surprise, Surprise. Tell us the most surprising thing about you.
I’ve been put in Bow Street Police Station’s jail for a night.
What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?
Photographs of my sons and my wife, an old French Art Deco calendar and a fishing reel.
Gary Hazell is a drinks industry expert. He currently represents a range of spirits brands that include Sloane’s Gin, Purity Vodka and Rebellion Rum. In addition, he shares his passion for fishing with the world via his blog, Tales by the Riverbank.
Read Tales by the Riverbank at: http://talesbytheriverbank.wordpress.com
Follow Gary Hazell on Twitter at: http://www.twitter.com/talesbytheriver
The Steeple Times asks actor John Challis, best known for playing Boycie in “Only Fools and Horses”: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”
The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force?
Marlene is my guiding force at all times. Listen to your wife. She knows best.
“Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?
“Never lose that bitterness”.
Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2013?
Wind turbines.
Tony Blair misses being Prime Minister. What do you miss most in your life?
The energy of my youth.
What might you swap all your wealth for?
Life in a warm climate.
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?
Bloody capitalists!
What phrase or word do you most loathe?
“Gobsmacked”.
In the UK, some people consider charity to “begin at home”. What’s your view and what causes do you personally support?
I support animal charities especially Tusk Trust. They are fighting to save rhinos and elephants from extinction as a result of poaching. Ronnie Wood and I are the oldest and longest serving patrons of Tusk.
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?
Mobile phones are a bloody nuisance, especially on public transport. I have got into fights in the silent carriages of trains. Can’t live with them, can’t live without them. I resisted a mobile for years.
If you could fill a carriage on The Orient Express, who would be your fellow passengers?
Marlon Brando, James Stewart, Kim Novak, Prince Rupert of the Rhine, Tom Graveney, the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall, Jacques Tati, Marg Helgenberger and Paul Guilfoyle.
If you were unfortunate enough to end up on death row, what would be your last meal and where would you eat it?
Gorgonzola cheese with fresh figs and a glass of vintage port on the terrace of the Hotel Splendido in Portofino, Italy.
What time is it acceptable to consume the first drink of the day?
6pm unless out to lunch.
A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?
A martini, stirred not shaken, with a twist of lemon and an olive for my heartburn.
Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?
I don’t do parties anymore. My 60th finished me off.
Who is the most positive person you know?
My brother-in-law, Johnny Palmer.
What’s your most guilty pleasure?
ABBA.
If a tattoo were to sum you up, what would it be of?
A man with a cricket bat striking a cover drive.
If you were a car, what marque would you be?
An Aston Martin DB4.
Cilla Black presented Surprise, Surprise. Tell us the most surprising thing about you.
I wear Converse trainers.
What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?
Abby Bobblehead (NCIS), a miniature Trotter yellow van and a packet of lupin seeds sent to me from a Twitter follower in Texas.
John Challis is an English actor best known for his role as Terrance Aubrey “Boycie” Boyce in the long running BBC television comedy series Only Fools and Horses and its spin-off, The Green Green Grass.
To order signed copies of John Challis’ autobiography, Being Boycie and Boycie & Beyond, and to view the list of venues for his show on tour, go to: http://www.wigmorebooks.com
Follow him on Twitter at: http://www.twitter.com/BeingBoycie
The Steeple Times asks art curator, advisor and advocate Kipton Cronkite: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”
The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force?
I surround myself with those who remind me not to take life too seriously and to laugh, no matter what. For new relationships, focus on those who have positive energy and a similar outlook on life.
“Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?
Immediately forget timewasters who are negative and dramatic.