The Steeple Times

Tag: Prime Minister

  • Marina Cowdray: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”

    Marina Cowdray: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”

    The Steeple Times asks artist and sculptor Marina Cowdray: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”

     

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

    Accepting each moment as it appears.

     

    “Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?

    Laugh often and don’t take life too seriously.

     

    Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2013?

    The weather has been unacceptable.

     

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

    I don’t miss anything as everything is all here with us right now.

     

    What might you swap all your wealth for?

    Health and happiness and peace of mind for any one suffering.

     

    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 would leave the banking crisis to people that understand banking.

     

    What phrase or word do you most loathe?

    There are no taboos in my dictionary.

     

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

    Charity starts at home and in our local community. I have created a place of silence for people needing to step aside from the challenges of daily life. I am hoping to expand on this idea through the sales of the sculpture ’The Meditator’ which I have dedicated to this cause. I also support local charities and I am an international patron of Live to Love and an international advisor to The Oxford Centre of Mindfulness. Both of these charities are ones I feel can make a difference to peoples lives. 

     

    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?

    Make use of it and enjoy it while we have it.

     

    Artist and sculptor Marina Cowdray
    Artist and sculptor Marina Cowdray. Photograph by Michael Chevis (http://www.michaelchevis.com)

     

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

    All my family and if there is any space, Sixto Rodriguez for some great music. I enjoyed watching the film Searching for Sugar Man.

     

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

    A takeaway primavera spaghetti from Ziani’s restaurant in Radnor Walk sitting beside the Thames watching the boats pass by.

     

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

    I gave up drink years ago although any time you want a drink is acceptable if it is going to make you happy.

     

    A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?

    A cappuccino.

     

    Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?

    I love a party at home with my children and friends. We generally laugh a lot.

     

    Who is the most positive person you know?

    One of my girlfriends who has been in a wheelchair for 35 years.

     

    What’s your most guilty pleasure?

    Getting back into bed with a good book and a cup of coffee.

     

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

    A spiral, as it can remind me of a 360-degree turn on another view point.

     

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

    A tuk-tuk as its fun to weave in and out of the traffic and it’s characterful.

     

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

    Less is so much more.

     

    What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?

    A pair of bronze hands that I cast of His Holiness the 12th Gyalwang Drukpa.

     

    Viscountess Cowdray is an artist and sculptor.

     

    For more information about The Meditator, go to: http://www.themeditator.com

     

    For details about Live to Love, go to: http://www.live2love.org and for information on The Oxford Centre of Mindfulness, go to: http://www.oxfordcentreofmindfulness.org

     

  • Francesco Paolillo: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”

    Francesco Paolillo: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”

    The Steeple Times asks high jewellery expert Francesco Paolillo: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”

     

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

    My guiding forces are the everyday challenges that I face and my family of course.

     

    “Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?

    Nothing comes to mind. I don’t have a motto.

     

    Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2013?

    I don’t really know who Kerry Katona is but for me the political situation in Italy is unfortunate.

     

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

    I miss living in New York and walking in Central Park.

     

    What might you swap all your wealth for?

    I would give up everything I have to spend one more day with my father.

     

    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?

    My view on the banking crisis is that we are all responsible for it.

     

    What phrase or word do you most loathe?

    The word “manager”. I think it is overused.

     

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

    I do not support any causes at the moment.

     

    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?

    These devices are essential to our lives. They should simply be used politely.

     

    High jewellery expert Franceso Paolillo
    High jewellery expert Franceso Paolillo

     

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

    Tony and Cherie Blair and Gordon Brown. I would also have George Soros and Nicole Kidman.

     

    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 have a steak in Tuscany with a bottle of Brunello di Montalcino. A friend would come with me.

     

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

    When I fancy it.

     

    A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?

    I would be most likely to go for a martini.

     

    Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?

    My own, because I know how to enjoy myself.

     

    Who is the most positive person you know?

    Me: I trust myself.

     

    What’s your most guilty pleasure?

    Women.

     

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

    No tattoo can sum me up.

     

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

    A Porsche.

     

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

    I have won several trophies for BMX bike riding.

     

    What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?

    A group picture of me with some good friends.

     

    Francesco Paolillo is a high jewellery expert based in Knightsbridge, London.

     

    Follow him on Twitter at: http://www.twitter.com/fppaolo

  • Firing Maggie

    Firing Maggie

    The sale of a Purdey gun engraved with a portrait of Baroness Thatcher

     

    Margaret Thatcher had many devoted followers and fans in her time as Prime Minister. Coal miners, in general, were not amongst them but some like Jimi Heselden OBE (1948 – 2010) used their redundancy payouts to make vast fortunes.

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  • Edward Thomson: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”

    Edward Thomson: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”

    The Steeple Times asks estate agent Edward Thomson: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”

     

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

    Honesty and integrity.

     

    “Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?

    My favourite is: “What doesn’t kill me makes me stronger” but “Try everything once, except incest and Morris dancing” is more amusing.

     

    Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2013?

    Mexicans using live dogs and kittens as shark bait.

     

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

    Living in the countryside and most of the time, a river and a dog.

     

    What might you swap all your wealth for?

    The love of my life.

     

    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?

    My integrity and reputation is all that I am; all that I can absolutely determine. When you give that up what have you become? The banks no longer have a code. A few prison sentences ought to remind them to gamble their money, not ours.

     

    What phrase or word do you most loathe?

    “It’s not my problem”:  I absolutely hate the mentality of people who say this.

     

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

    Family and friends first and then animal welfare. In particular, beasts of burden across the world.

     

    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 anti-social, but absolutely necessary in today’s world.

     

    Estate agent Edward Thomson
    Estate agent Edward Thomson

     

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

    Bill Murray, Ranulph Fiennes, that chap who just survived 40 minutes at depth in the North Sea with 20 minutes of mix (seriously interesting chat to be had there I think), Johnny Cash and oh yes, a seriously amazing and beautiful Australian I know.

     

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

    Potted shrimp on toast, lamb cutlets and some very good Stilton. I would have it on the banks of the River Nadder near Salisbury.

     

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

    12 noon. Sherry.

     

    A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?

    Definitely a cocktail. A Porn Star martini is my current favourite.

     

    Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?

    Any that end up in Annabel’s. Call me old hat, but I just love the dance floor in there.

     

    Who is the most positive person you know?

    My stepfather, Richard.  An extraordinary chap.

     

    What’s your most guilty pleasure?

    Smoking. I have to stop again soon.

     

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

    A rod and a rifle.

     

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

    My Triumph TR6. My dream car is a 1949 Ferrari 166MM Barchetta.

     

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

    I like crooning to old Fred Astaire songs in the shower.

     

    What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?

    A carriage clock, two candlesticks, a picture of me releasing a salmon, a wedding invitation and a Herend porcelain rabbit.

     

    Edward Thomson works for Strutt & Parker LLP in their Cadogan Street sales office. Website: http://www.StruttAndParker.com

     

  • The lady’s last turn

    The funeral of Margaret Thatcher

     

    As her coffin headed to St Paul’s Cathedral, I stood in Parliament Square to watch Margaret Thatcher leave Westminster for the last time.

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  • Jersey Budd: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”

    Jersey Budd: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”

    The Steeple Times asks singer-songwriter Jersey Budd: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”

     

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

    Music, love and happiness.

     

    “Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?

    “Learn your lines and turn up”.

     

    Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2013?

    I’d still say Kerry Katona. She will always be unacceptable and the little fella from North Korea is also unacceptable.

     

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

    My lovely nan, Madge Spreckley.

     

    What might you swap all your wealth for?

    I’d swap anything to be 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?

    Keep all your money under the mattress and never trust anyone in a pin-striped suit.

     

    What phrase or word do you most loathe?

    ‘LOL’: There is no need for it in society.

     

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

    I support a load of charities and will always continue to do so. It’s amazing as an artist to do all I can for them. I’m involved with Support Our Forces, Wishes For Kids, Teenage Cancer Trust and two local charities close to my heart The Joe Humphries Memorial Trust and ADAPT.

     

    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 are incredibly handy but I love the old days of sending letters and postcards. I think there is no romance in sending a text. But they should never be used to blow anyone up.

     

    Singer-songwriter Jersey Budd
    Singer-songwriter Jersey Budd

     

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

    My fiancée, Elvis, John Lennon, Bob Dylan, Chaz and Dave, Muhammed Ali and Einstein.

     

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

    I’d have a bacon sandwich and I’d eat it on the run.

     

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

    Anytime is acceptable. You have to listen to your palate.

     

    A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?

    A cup of tea.

     

    Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?

    The Dancing Landlord parties at the Bulls Head in Countesthorpe, Leicester.

     

    Who is the most positive person you know?

    Kayleigh Ball, my fiancée.

     

    What’s your most guilty pleasure?

    Take That.

     

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

    A lamp.

     

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

    A Toyota Corolla 1.6CD in navy blue.

     

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

    I once won a fancy dressed competition at primary school dressed as Mr Blobby.

     

    What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?

    Car keys, a picture of me and the missus, a clock, a silver Buddha and several silver mushrooms.

     

    Jersey Budd is a singer-songwriter who launched his first album in 2008. His new EP, Down To The Wire, is out on 20th May 2013.

     

    View Jersey Budd’s official website at: http://www.jerseybudd.com

     

    Follow him on Twitter at: http://www.twitter.com/jerseybudd

  • Margaret Thatcher: Strong lady, weak men

    Margaret Thatcher: Strong lady, weak men

    Author Sarah Tucker shares her thoughts on the reaction to the death of Margaret Thatcher

     

    I can’t really remember much about when Maggie Thatcher was in power. I know my parents were full of praise for her because our country was almost third world when she became PM, strikes crippling industries, rubbish being left on the streets and she broke the unions – something that was thought impossible. She stood up to them and it took a lot of courage to do so.

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  • Christophe Choo: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”

    Christophe Choo: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”

    The Steeple Times asks realtor and television personality Christophe Choo: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”

     

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

    That’s a great question. The first thing that comes to mind are the joys and wonderful things in my life: my family & friends and those who guide me in do what I do.

     

    “Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?

    “Proper everything and everyone now” and “do the right thing”.

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  • Paul Johnson Calderon: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”

    Paul Johnson Calderon: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”

    The Steeple Times asks Paul Johnson Calderon: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”

     

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

    Wit, cunning and sheer will.

     

    “Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?

    Trust no one.

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  • A tribute to The Iron Lady

    A tribute to The Iron Lady

    The Right Honourable The Baroness Thatcher of Kesteven LG, OM, PC, FRS; Margaret Thatcher (1925 – 2013)

     

    She cleared our rat-infested streets and she beat the unions. She taught people that “anything was possible” and redefined the role of the state in our lives. Britain’s first female Prime Minister stood firm in the Falklands and she came of age there. “No surrender” was her guiding force both in that war and in Europe and to this groundbreaking pioneer “rights” were inextricably linked with “responsibilities”.

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