The Steeple Times

Tag: London

  • Playground Mafia

    Playground Mafia

    Award winning journalist, presenter and novelist Sarah Tucker examines the mafia of the playground

    It’s getting worse. I wrote the (fictional) novel The Playground Mafia in 2006 and since then have had requests for interviews and emails from all over the world where men and women have got a hold of the book somehow and told me how they feel now they are not alone.

     

    The Playground Mafia by Sarah Tucker

    The last time I was contacted was a month ago by a journo from The Daily Telegraph who asked me my opinion on two celebrities in Putney who were hitting each other in the playground because of protractors. Protractors? Aren’t they the things in maths class? I made a comment about these women should get a life. She printed it verbatim. In fact she printed my whole interview verbatim and called it her article.

     

    So I’ve decided to spread the words of wisdom to you, as I’ve been contacted from all four corners of the globe (I even have a following in Japan) by mothers, grandmothers, the well heeled, the seriously seedy about all things playground politic and mummy mafia which would make those in Westminster cower with fear. They are all mummy’s boys after all.

     

    Of course there was playground politics in my mother’s day but it was blown out by the war. What did you care then if your child got into the wrong school? The wrong school meant one that was in the line of fire and got bombed while your child was in it.

     

    I know women who have slept with the headmaster to get their child into the school and wanted to sue when they have still been rejected (they weren’t very good obviously) and father’s who have used financial blackmail to make sure their child will be made head boy (at the time a “well respected” banker but I don’t think there are any now).

     

    There are cliques of women, the sweaty bettys (gym bunnies usually with much older husbands), the startled rabbits (botox freaks), the mafia, the second wives club, the mean midgets (short women are like short men but have bigger chips), the single mums, the unhappily marrieds, the earth mothers, the career mothers, the dog lovers, the spiritual healers, the crummy, slummy, chummy, schtummy, plummy, yummy mummies.

     

    Everyone wants to be a yummy mummy.  But even they have a dark side. When pushed too far they don’t get even. They just write a column.

     

    Sarah Tucker is an award winning travel journalist, novelist, producer and broadcaster. She has edited, produced and presented her own radio and TV series as well as presenting reports for BBC Holiday Programme and anchored I Want That House on ITV. She is the author of best selling novels The Playground Mafia (short listed for the Good Housekeeping book of the year 2007) The Battle for Big School, The Last Year of Being Single, and The Control Freak Chronicles. For more information, go to: http://www.sarahtucker.info

     

    Buy The Playground Mafia on Amazon at: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Playground-Mafia-Sarah-Tucker/dp/0099498456/ref=sr_1_7/202-9265101-5575054?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1193856472&sr=1-7

     

    Follow Sarah Tucker on Twitter at: http://www.twitter.com/madasatucker

  • An interview with Lyndon Ogbourne

    An interview with Lyndon Ogbourne

    Claire Rubinstein interviews Lyndon Ogbourne for “The Steeple Times”

     

    Last week, Claire Rubinstein made Emmerdale fans envious when she interviewed the soap’s former baddest boy at Sette restaurant in Chelsea.

     

    Over lunch, the pair chatted about Ogbourne’s career, charity, social media and forthcoming projects. Watch video footage of the interview here:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tncDQkCxgsY

     

    As you’ll see, there’s a lot more to come from Mr Ogbourne.

     

    View Lyndon Ogbourne’s show reel at: http://www.curtisbrown.co.uk/lyndon-ogbourne

     

    Support Lyndon Ogbourne’s cycle fundraiser for Once Upon A Smile at: http://www.justgiving.com/lyndon-ogbourne

     

    Sette, 4 Sydney Street, London, SW3 6PP. Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7352 3435. Website: http://sette-restaurant.com

  • Diamonds Aren't Forever

    Diamonds Aren't Forever

    The resignation of Bob Diamond

     

    Today, Bob Diamond finally bit the dust and resigned as chief executive of Barclays in a dramatic move designed to save the bank from further embarrassment in the wake of their having being fined a record £290 million last week for attempting to manipulate the interbank lending rate, Libor, between 2005 and 2009.

     

    Bob Diamond, centre, with John Varley and Marcus Agius

    Of his decision, Diamond commented:

     

    “No decision over that period was as hard as the one that I make now to stand down as chief executive. The external pressure placed on Barclays has reached a level that risks damaging the franchise – I cannot let that happen.”

     

    Meanwhile, George Osborne MP added:

     

    “We now have an opportunity to fix what went wrong and move on.”

     

    The Chancellor’s attempts to sweep this scandal under the carpet illustrate how out of touch he is with public opinion on this subject and Gina Miller, founder of the True and Fair campaign, raises a far more valid point in her statement on the affair:

     

    “Bob Diamond’s departure and the Libor scandal shows lack of oversight, accountability and regulation in the City. Current industry self-regulation, overseen by the FSA, has been widely abused by the financial services industry and has failed to protect consumers or provide a level-playing field for the more responsible financial services companies.”

     

    With an inquiry looming next into professional standards in banking, one has to wonder which other heads will roll next. As someone said to me in a Facebook message this morning: “Give a man a gun, and he can rob a bank; Give a man a bank, and he can rob the world.”

     

    For more information on the True and Fair campaign, go to: http://www.trueandfaircampaign.com

  • Jeweltastic

    Jeweltastic

    A private view of handcrafted pieces by Arianna Cerrito

    By Claire Rubinstein

     

    Tomorrow, Wednesday 4th July, sees the leading-edge jewellery and fashion designer Arianna Cerrito host an exclusive private sale event at her beautiful London home.

     

    Readers of The Steeples Times are invited to attend and offered a sneak peek at some of Arianna’s pieces on sale at very special prices. The event will also feature some of Cerrito’s latest pieces for spring/summer 2013 and her autumn/winter collections.

     

    Arianna Cerrito’s invitation

    The touch of voluptuous, silky fabrics on the skin and the embrace of dramatic jewellery are the essence of Arianna Cerrito’s designs. JEWELWEAR is a unique concept that is developed around creating luxury dresses and jewellery alongside each other as one statement. No longer does one have to search for the right jewellery to accessorise that Little Black Dress, the two are created and designed to complement each other with perfect Italian flair. The result is a sophisticated and extremely versatile look for the modern woman.

     

    Cerrito has recently exhibited at Paris Fashion Week 2012 and was also selected to showcase her designs at Treasure London at Somerset House where she was celebrated along with other up-and-coming designers.

     

    Come and meet the lady herself at this unmissable event from 10am until 7pm tomorrow and get ahead of the trend for next season’s parties.

     

    Arianna Cerrito JEWELWEAR, 45 Moore Park Road, London, SW6 2HP. RSVP to [email protected]. Examples of Cerrito’s works can be viewed at http://www.ariannacerrito.com

  • Gina Miller: What’s on your mantelpiece?

    Gina Miller: What’s on your mantelpiece?

    “The Steeple Times” quizzes leading philanthropist Gina Miller about what’s on her mantelpiece

     

    The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom.” What’s your guiding force?

    Life is short, so don’t live in regret.

     “Never regret, never explain, never apologise” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?

    The three C’s – compassion, common sense and confidence are far more valuable than three A’s.

    Kerry Katona was unacceptable in 2007. Who is unacceptable in 2012?

    Human traffickers.

    Tony Blair misses being Prime Minister. What do you miss most in your life?

    Sleep.
    What might you swap all your wealth for?

    Knowing my children will be happy.

    What phrase or word do you most loathe?

    “Honestly, I really mean it”: Implies they are lying the rest of the time.

    In the UK, some people consider charity to “begin at home.” What’s your view and what causes do you personally support?

    Charity begins at home and should be a fundamental value in all our families and societies.  It is about the small actions, consideration and kindnesses we undertake every day, not the big gestures we make once in a while. If we all did this, the ripple effect would be enormous and would heal many of society’s ills.

    Have you ever been arrested and if so, for what?

    Yes, I was mistakenly identified as a local in Egypt and arrested for being improperly attired.

    If you could fill a carriage on The Orient Express, who would be your fellow passengers?

    My children, my husband, Oscar Wilde and the archaeologist Howard Carter.

    Gina Miller

    If you were unfortunate enough to end up on death row, what would be your last meal and where would you eat it?

    A tin of caviar and a teaspoon; in a garden full of scented roses and wild flowers (maybe I could use the teaspoon to tunnel my way out!).

    What time is it acceptable to consume the first drink of the day?

    Whatever time you fancy, as it’s always the ‘right time’ somewhere on the globe.

    A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?

    A martini.

    Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?

    Those with great drink, great food, great music and lovely people – on a balmy beach. Idyllic.

    Who is the most positive person you know?

    My daughter who has special needs – she is not socialised or limited by academic thinking. She is a true free thinker with genuine EQ.

    What’s your most guilty pleasure?

    Caviar.

    What was the first bone that you broke?

    Knee.
    If a tattoo were to sum you up, what would it be of?

    Women don’t smoke cigars!

    If you were a car, what marquee would you be?

    Morgan.
    Cilla Black presented “Surprise, Surprise.” Tell us the most surprising thing about you.

    I was a free climber before I destroyed my thumbs which are very arthritic – the higher and more testing the better. All started when I was a tomboy and thought I was a superhero. I have climbed on all 6 continents and still think I can fly.

    What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?

    An invite to a gorgeous girl’s wedding and a sculpture of a lady welded together from car nuts and bolts produced by some supposed lost youths who were engaged in car theft but who are now successful engaged in a mechanic apprenticeship scheme we set up in Redditch.

     

    Gina Miller is a founding partner of SCM Private and also runs the True and Fair campaign. More information can be viewed at http://www.scmprivate.com and http://trueandfaircampaign.com

     

  • A Corgi Classic

    A Corgi Classic

    The “Corgi” Rolls-Royce sells for £4 million

     

    Yesterday, at the Bonhams Goodwood Festival of Speed Sale at Goodwood, near Chichester, a 1912 Rolls Royce Double Pullman Limousine achieved over double the estimate when it sold for £4,705,500.

     

    Considered to be one of the rarest Rolls-Royce cars in existence, this 100-year old vehicle acquired the “Corgi” name in the 1960s when toymakers Corgi® copied it as part of their range. Undoubtedly the most recognisable Rolls-Royce “Silver Ghost” produced, it now is thought to be the only car of its type left in the world.

     

    The 1912 Rolls-Royce Double Pullman Silver Ghost Limousine, registration “1912 RR”
    A Corgi® model of the 1912 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost

    Designed in the style of a Pullman railway carriage, this 40/50hp 7.3 litre masterpiece was delivered new to John M. Stephens of South Croydon, a known connoisseur of Silver Ghosts, and then passed through the ownership of John C. Sword and Denis de Ferranti in the UK and Richard Solove and most recently John M. O’Quinn in the USA. The vehicle came to auction following the death of Mr O’Quinn, a lawyer who also owned the 1975 Ford Escort GL once owned by Pope John Paul II and John F. Kennedy’s 1962 Lincoln Continental Bubble Top Limo, in a car crash in Houston, Texas.

     

    Of the “Corgi,” James Knight of Bonhams commented:

     

    “Back in those days, customers would buy the engine and chassis and would employ coach builders to do the bodywork. The first owner of this car hired the best coach builders of the day and the car epitomizes the upper echelons of Edwardian society.”

     

    What makes this vehicle especially rare is that it is in perfect condition. Most similar vehicles were converted into ambulances during the First World War and suffered inglorious fates. Whoever purchased this car has undoubtedly added a treasure to their collection.

     

    For more information, contact Helen Buckingham of Bonhams on +44 (0) 20 7468 5870 or go to: http://www.bonhams.com/auctions/20143

  • Steeple Rock

    Steeple Rock

    An outstanding painting by Edward William Cooke

     

    At Masterpiece yesterday, a painting immediately caught my eye on Martyn Gregory’s stand but what intrigued me further was the title attached to it.

     

    Steeple Rock, signed and dated 1873, attracted my interest firstly because of its outstanding quality but equally, as I’d never heard of this rock, I was interested enough to ask more about this painting by Edward William Cooke, R.A., F.R.S.

     

    Steeple Rock, Kynance Cove, Lizard, Cornwall, low water, 90.5cm by 139cm, oil on canvas
    Edward William Cooke, R.A., F.R.S. (1811 – 1880)

    Steeple Rock, it turns out, is located at Kynance Cove in Cornwall and is considered to be a spectacular rock formation. It has been painted by many well-known artists and one watercolour of it features in the National Trust’s collection.

    Cooke, a noted marine artist who was also a geologist and gardener, documents painting Steeple Rock in his diaries with a note: “Put in the wreck” and exhibited the work at the Royal Academy in 1873. It was sold first to one Mr. Bolckow and then subsequently to Lord Michelham.

     

    £58,000 is sought for this true masterpiece.

     

    For more information contact Martyn Gregory, 34 Bury Street, St. James’s, London, SW1Y 6AU. Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7839 3731. Email: [email protected]. Website: http://martyngregory.com

  • Isabella Blow (1958 – 2007)

    Isabella Blow (1958 – 2007)

    This wildcard was the muse of Philip Treacy and discovered Sophie Dahl and Alexander McQueen. A flamboyant deal maker, Blow had a “natural sense of style” and a truly brilliant eye. She left this world far too soon and is sorely missed.

  • Sophie Michell

    Sophie Michell

    This blonde bombshell first appeared on the BBC aged 12 and since has presented shows including Channel 4’s Cook Yourself Thin. She’s also faced Anne Robinson on the Celebrity Weakest Link and written a number of cookbooks. A delight to spend time with, Michell has worked in places such as The Greenhouse and The Lanesborough and also as a private chef for a number of personalities. Here’s one to watch in the kitchen.

  • Vincent Tchenguiz

    Vincent Tchenguiz

    This Mayfair based property tycoon was born in Tehran and owns a Mangusta motor yacht named “Veni Vidi Vici” (“I came, I saw, I conquered”). His Rolls-Royce Phantom, numberplate “2V,” is often spotted outside London’s finest establishments and an SFO investigation into his business affairs has now been sensibly put to bed.