Funding for the investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann must cease; £11 million spent with no result is evidence that enough is enough
Over £11 million has been spent in relation to the search for Madeleine McCann since the then 3-year old disappeared on 3rd May 2007. The result? Absolutely no progress and a lot of unanswered questions.
Now, with the last round of public funding given to the element of the search known as Operation Grange by Theresa May in March set to run out in September, is the time to end the search. Enough is enough and in spite that some would suggest that the chances of finding the disappeared child is still there, the fact of the matter is that in ten years of following leads that have led nowhere resources that could have been allocated to other missing people have been squandered.
Last week, a Metropolitan Police spokesman told The Sun:
“A lot of potentially significant images and material were captured on previous trips to Portugal and we are still working on all leads…. The investigation continues with focus and determination. It is not winding down, it is not grinding to a halt. It is on going.”
Such sentiments will no doubt leave such people as Kerry Needham – whose 21-month year old son, Ben, disappeared in Greece on 24th July 1991 – spitting feathers. As of 2015, a comparative sum of just £700,000 had been spent on attempts to find him and thus one is left asking why the child of two middle class medics is worth 93% more than the son of an ordinary working class woman.
In 2015, Ms Needham, after supporters of the McCanns cruelly suggested those backing her in her search for her child were “toxic”, remarked: “I have never criticised the McCann family. I have only every criticised the authorities for the way the two cases have been handled so differently.”
Kerry Needham
Missing Madeleine – Questions without Answers
Many questions about what happened on the evening of the disappearance of Madeleine McCann remain. Some that have been highlighted by the press and discussed online include:
Why did the McCanns refuse to answer 48 questions put to her by the Portuguese police?
Why were certain records of phone calls on the evening of the disappearance “whoosh-clunked” from the memories of the phones of Mr and Mrs McCann and the ‘Tapas 9’?
Why did a British sniffer dog sense the smell of a corpse in a cupboard in the apartment from which Madeleine McCann disappear?
Why did a sniffer dog also supposedly sense the smell of a corpse in a vehicle hired by the couple a month after the disappearance of their daughter?
Why did Mr and Mrs McCann go jogging and play tennis in the days after their daughter’s disappearance?
Was it acceptable for Mr and Mrs McCann’s mortgage to be paid by the fund established to search for their missing daughter?
A 20-question interview with Sandra Howard – novelist, former model and wife of Conservative politician The Rt. Hon. Lord Howard of Lympne
The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force?
Seeing the upside of life and what’s to laugh at.
“Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?
Perseverance pays.
Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2017?
Kim Kardashian’s bottom.
Tony Blair misses being Prime Minister. What do you miss most in your life?
Talking to my mother – She was a sage and a wonderful rock.
What might you swap all your wealth for?
A continuing, happy, healthy marriage.
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 state of the financial system?
That’s too taxing for my ‘small bear’ financial brain. Well above my pay grade.
What phrase or word do you most loathe?
“At the end of the day” and I’m not mad about: “You know what?” (Jeremy Corbyn’s favourite phrase).
In the UK, some people consider charity to “begin at home”. What’s your view and what causes do you personally support?
It should begin at home and continue overseas. I’d hate to see our foreign aid budget cut. I support Addaction (to help people off drugs), Youth Epilepsy and Hospice UK.
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 rule our lives, sometimes for better and frequently for worse.
If you could fill a carriage on The Orient Express, who would be your fellow passengers?
All my closest (bridge-playing and witty) friends.
If you were unfortunate enough to end up on death row, what would be your last meal and where would you eat it?
Fresh crab, Dover sole, some delicious smelly cheese and a ripe mango. I’d eat it on Grand Anse Beach in Grenada, slipping in a last swim in that glorious clear sea.
What time is it acceptable to consume the first drink of the day?
A Buck’s Fizz at breakfast isn’t a bad start to the day.
A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?
A cup of tea.
Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?
Other peoples’ – I’m a mess of nerves when giving one of my own.
Who is the most positive person you know?
My husband – Most of the time.
What’s your most guilty pleasure?
A day (or more) entirely to myself to write in peace and privacy, not doing any of all the stuff, emails etc. that gets in the way.
If a tattoo were to sum you up, what would it be of?
A black cat – I think I’ve had lots of luck in my life.
If you were a car, what marque would you be?
A Mini Cooper is about my marque – fast, but I hope not flashy.
Cilla Black presented Surprise, Surprise. Tell us the most surprising thing about you.
I’m a passionate supporter of Liverpool Football Club.
What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?
Family photos, a pair of china cockerels and a vase of lovely lavender freesias.
Sandra Howard has quickly established herself as a successful author and journalist. She has written six novels; her latest, ‘The Consequence of Love’, is published on 13th July. She was, in the 1960s, a leading photographic fashion model and lives in London and Kent.
A 20-question interview with artist, ceramicist and designer Enzina Fuschini
The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force?
God. I am a Christian and I believe in what is good and honourable.
“Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?
To forgive and forget.
Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2017?
A lack of support for mental health.
Tony Blair misses being Prime Minister. What do you miss most in your life?
Human justice and my childhood home.
What might you swap all your wealth for?
One more day with my mother and grandmother. Both have sadly passed away.
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 state of the financial system?
It is a disaster. The financial target is to control and depopulate humanity. The rich want to get rich at any cost and they want to create an elite race.
What phrase or word do you most loathe?
I loathe swearing in any context.
In the UK, some people consider charity to “begin at home”. What’s your view and what causes do you personally support?
I support charities associated with my faith and congregation at Holy Trinity Brompton (HTB), Knightsbridge.
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 useful but people are addicted and these devices cause them to become anti-social.
Enzina Fuschini exhibited at the 508 Kings Road Gallery in Chelsea, London, SW10 in June 2017
If you could fill a carriage on The Orient Express, who would be your fellow passengers?
People not fortunate enough to be able to afford this experience that work hard and would deserve it.
If you were unfortunate enough to end up on death row, what would be your last meal and where would you eat it?
I wouldn’t want to eat anything as I would be too scared about death.
What time is it acceptable to consume the first drink of the day?
At lunchtime with friends.
A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?
A dry martini.
Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?
Those given by family and friends that celebrate the achievements of life.
Who is the most positive person you know?
My daughters are the most positive people I know.
What’s your most guilty pleasure?
Apple tarts. The best one I’ve ever had was at The Botanist on Sloane Square.
If a tattoo were to sum you up, what would it be of?
A tattoo could not sum me up as I do not like them.
If you were a car, what marque would you be?
A Jaguar.
Cilla Black presented Surprise, Surprise. Tell us the most surprising thing about you.
When you get to know me, you will know. I’m not giving away my secrets.
What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?
An antique mirror and a vase of white roses.
Enzina Fuschini is a London based artist, ceramicist and designer. She was born in Matierno, Italy and aside from exhibiting internationally, has also produced luxury collections for and to be sold by amongst others The Dorchester, Harrods and Sunseeker Yachts. Her style has drawn comparisons with the ‘wit’ of Picasso and the vitality of Kandinsky, Klee and Miro.
A 20-question interview with British men’s knitwear designer Ross Barr-Hoyland
The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force?
To aim to leave the world a better place than you found it.
“Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?
To strive to achieve and be better than the best person you could be.
Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2017?
The wars in the Middle East and Chechnya and what the regimes there are doing to gay men are unacceptable.
Our world is full of divisiveness and prejudice and Kerry Katona evidently went through an incredibly turbulent time in her life. The press unscrupulously had no shame in reporting such and instead of judging, we should be there to offer help and support and perhaps show some empathy and understanding.
Our lives are not always fairytales and “let they who are without sin cast the first stone” is a saying that springs to mind.
Tony Blair misses being Prime Minister. What do you miss most in your life?
I don’t think there is anything in my life as such that I miss. I am working on my business – which is a dream many would wish for. It is by no means easy, but I am lucky in many, many respects.
What might you swap all your wealth for?
I wish I had great wealth to swap, but if I had immense wealth I would give it to all the causes I support in many ways from The Prince’s Trust to Style for Soldiers, Children with Cancer UK and RUComingOut. Even if I only had pennies, I would still like to give what I could as there is always someone in need of help.
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 state of the financial system?
I am by no means an expert but I do know everyone is finding it tough with cuts happening in every sector of business. I just keep my head down and focus on what I do in fashion and the revival of British manufacturing. What I will say is that my bank has been utterly incredible in supporting me with my business venture.
What phrase or word do you most loathe?
Being told I cannot do something.
In the UK, some people consider charity to “begin at home”. What’s your view and what causes do you personally support?
Aside from supporting the charities previously mentioned, I am honoured to have been supported myself by The Prince’s Trust. I serve them in whatever capacity they as a Young Ambassador and with the brand.
More generally, we might be an island nation but no man is. I think charity should be given where it is most needed.
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 am never without my phone, but I would never condone using any devices to cause harm to others.
Mobile phones do have their perks and do allow us to literally have the world at our fingertips, but I do wonder what we would be seeing if we perhaps looked at the world around us and lived in the moment a little more.
If you could fill a carriage on the Orient Express, who would be your fellow passengers?
With every single family member and friend who has supported and there for me and my business. We would have a good old knees-up and some much needed time off.
If you were unfortunate enough to end up on death row, what would be your last meal and where would you eat it?
Well, I hope to never end up there, but if I did, I’d choose my mother’s Sunday roast at home surrounded by my nearest and dearest. That would be the best way to go.
What time is it acceptable to consume the first drink of the day?
That depends on the type of day you are having.
A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?
A martini.
Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?
I have enjoyed many so it would be rude to pick one in particular – especially as the memories of some are rather hazy.
Who is the most positive person you know?
I have to pick seven perpetually positive people who keep me going daily and they are Natasha Babar-Evans, Melissa Hulme, Sandie Chapman, Stephanie Ackrill, Sarah Agar-Brenan and Craig Burton.
I would also like to single out a person whom has inspired me immensely. Her name is Gaynor and she has just started a business called Holiday Hack. Over the last year, she’s faced some of the biggest obstacles anyone could have thrown their way but she hasn’t cried and she hasn’t crumbled. She is an incredible lady and always has a smile on her face – and she can also get you savings on a holiday too; maybe even on the Orient Express.
What’s your most guilty pleasure?
Having a long sleep wrapped up in my bed covers.
If a tattoo were to sum you up, what would it be of?
A phoenix and a stag.
If you were a car, what marque would you be?
Someone answered this for me at a networking event a while ago. They described me as a Range Rover.
Cilla Black presented Surprise, Surprise. Tell us the most surprising thing about you.
People think I’m a ‘social butterfly’ but I’m actually a ‘pub with a just a few people’ kind of guy.
What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?
Pictures of my family.
Ross Barr-Hoyland established his own men’s knitwear brand, Ross Barr, in September 2015 after being sponsored by the Enterprise programme of The Prince’s Trust. He focuses on reviving the British textile manufacturing industry by manufacturing in Britain.
Matthew Steeples asks Conservative candidate for Kensington Lady Borwick five questions; he put the same to the Liberal Democrats Annabel Mullin also whilst Labour’s Emma Dent Coad failed to respond
In the final hours of the 2017 General Election campaign, I asked the Conservative candidate for Kensington, Lady Borwick, five questions I considered relevant to voters in one of Britain’s most wealthy constituencies. I publish below her answers in full and unedited form and beneath also include the responses of the Liberal Democrat candidate, Annabel Mullin, to the same questions.
Emma Dent Coad, Labour’s candidate, was also given the opportunity to answer but failed to respond to several requests.
The five questions to Lady Borwick (initially and then more generally to Annabel Mullin and Emma Dent Coad) were:
Hidden homeless: “What will you do to help the ‘hidden homeless’ of Kensington?”
Money park Kensington: “How will you help local businesses counter such decline if re-elected?”
Brexit: “How, going forward, will you credibly represent the 48% who voted to ‘remain’, as someone who went on the phones to support ‘leave’?”
Answering constituents: “How will you improve your pathetically low 18% response rate to constituents’ correspondence, as registered on TheyWorkForYou.com if re-elected?”
Ivory: “Will you continue to lobby Theresa May about ivory in spite of such being highly unpopular with constituents and others such as Deborah Meaden?”
Pictured above: Annabel Mullin campaigning, Lady Borwick during the Brexit referendum and Emma Dent Coad
Pictured above: Annabel Mullin campaigning, Lady Borwick during the Brexit referendum and Emma Dent Coad
Victoria Borwick, Conservative Party
What will you do to help the ‘hidden homeless’ of Kensington?”
In Parliament, the Homeless Reduction Bill was recently passed –which was almost the last bill to be “signed off” before Parliament broke for the election. This puts pressure on local councillors to provide a range of early intervention solutions.
Current local services – There are a number of local churches who are working in this sector such as St Cuthbert’s (who I visited earlier this week) and our local charities.
From my previous work at the GLA, I know that although there is a hostel place for everyone that is not enough. People need more and longer-term help which is why there are some good charities working locally, for example the Glass Door Project and Homeless Link. I have also worked with several of the veterans’ charities whose aim is not “no second night out” but “no first night out”.
The situation with those that are “street homeless” – these are the people who, for a complex number of reasons, spend time living on the streets. Some do have somewhere to sleep at night, but spend the day on the streets and some live on the streets full time, including overnight.
The first port of call for street homeless people is a hostel and these fall into two categories. “Direct access” and those that require a referral from an agency. These agencies provide not only shelter but some way to address the terrible loneliness, mental health and other problems that most street homeless people feel. We need to look at the provision of hostels, but also work with the organisations that provide longer term support, to help people get over their crisis and get back on their feet – and this can take months, and sometimes longer.
There has to be short-term accommodation but also ways of dealing with the causes of street homelessness. There needs to be “move on” accommodation, for those that have managed to get themselves into a stable state, and where they are becoming independent, but may still need some ongoing support. I have visited services where they have a range of provision in the same location, I.E. those in immediate crisis and those that are more capable.
We need to provide services to help people with drug and alcohol problems which causes so many people to become street homeless, and also with the mental health problems that afflict so many of these people. The council’s Public Health Department has made this a high priority. I particularly welcome the changes to our mental health laws that the Prime Minister has pledged to bring in. These should make a big difference for homeless people with mental health problems.
Money park Kensington: “How will you help local businesses counter such decline if re-elected?”
I have grown up in Kensington and lived here all my life, with my family.
Supporting our small and medium sized local businesses is very important for all of us in Kensington. Local businesses are the backbone of our economy and provide employment and opportunities in our community.
Firstly we have to stop losing small independent businesses, as you have refereed to, so that people do not lose their opportunity to be working locally and also to start business locally. RBKC has continued with our planning exemptions, otherwise across London small businesses were being turfed out of their premises. Many local restaurants have sadly closed.
I have lobbied the Chancellor, and if re-elected will continue to lobby the Chancellor against the rash of additional regulations for small business – the proposed quarterly reporting, the apprenticeship levy – should be for larger firms, the pensions levy and of course the revaluation which has negatively impacted on our shops – and not on the out of town warehouses for mail order.
I recently undertook a survey of many local shops and businesses, either in writing or by visiting in person. On the basis of the response, I wrote to the Treasury, as indeed did the Borough, and also raised it personally with the Chancellor to see if there is any other way of looking at the rates – so that rateable value could be examined to take into account factors such as turnover, size of premises, whether the shop is independent or a chain of premises and so on. If re-elected, I shall continue to raise these concerns with other central London MPs as they affect us all.
I will continue to support local businesses by supporting any legislation in Parliament which will promote businesses and support our local economy.
Buy to Leave – This is a real issue in Central London, and this is something that, as an MP, I discussed with other Central London MPs from all parties. As we are aware this is “investment purchasing” where investors buy, usually a new property, and then do not live in it, and treat it as “money in the bank” which is why they don’t want it to be lived in as they want to keep it new.
When discussing this and researching what is actually happening – RBKC undertook a survey, as have Westminster Council on this topic. There is a pocket of properties where this is very prevalent, however there is not overall interest in this because it affect so very few nationally.
That does not make it any less of a problem – the previous Mayor tried to address this by saying that properties have to be marketed in the UK first, but we are often used to getting a mortgage first and these overseas buyers are cash buyers so naturally they can jump in. The new Mayor is also examining what measures can be taken.
There are examples in Switzerland and Australia where they have tried to tackle this issue. Buy to leave homes have a very negative effect on the community as there are less “eyes on the streets” less community activity and it is difficult for local business to survive.
By continuing to have schools and local amenities it brings together a community and encourages homes for families.
Brexit: “How, going forward, will you credibly represent the 48% who voted to ‘remain’, as someone who went on the phones to support ‘leave’?”
I previously worked for Open Europe which was working with the previous administration on renegotiation, which was my preferred stance. I had hoped that the EU would and could use this time to examine its own processes and undertake reform. I realise the result of the referendum is not the outcome for which everyone might have hoped. My chief concern was accountability, and it became clear there was little that could be done to persuade the Commission towards greater transparency.
As a country we voted to leave the EU. Parliament has voted on two occasions to implement the result, with cross-party support. All sides have agreed to respect the referendum and to get on with the re-negotiations. The Lib Dems may have also offered a second referendum on the result of the negotiations. Theresa May has said she will bring the final agreement to Parliament for a vote.
For Kensington, if re-elected, my role will be to lobby for reciprocal rights for all our long-term residents. Over 50% of the residents in Kensington were not born here and many have made Kensington their home for many years. We should continue to make sure they are welcomed and can continue to play an active part in our community. Many are also great contributors to voluntary and charitable works.
I will represent the views of Kensington in Westminster if I am re-elected; working closely with Ministers to make sure they understand the complexity of Kensington.
The choice for everyone is: “Who should be leading the Brexit negotiations?” Which team do you want? I am supporting Theresa May and her team. I support the PMs ambition to strive for a good outcome for the country.
Answering constituents: “How will you improve your pathetically low 18% response rate to constituents’ correspondence, as registered on TheyWorkForYou.com if re-elected?”
I have always prioritised urgent casework when responding to the vast amount of correspondence my office receives. I receive referrals and pleas for help from individual constituents, charities, churches, the mosque and other religious groups, along with organisations such as the Citizens Advice Bureau and free legal advice clinics. We have helped several thousand families over my time in Parliament. These referrals, usually from someone in crisis, do not come through “They Work for You” thus they are not logged in this way.
People tend to write to us on “They Work for You” if they are asking for our views on a particular campaign. If the campaign has nothing to do with Kensington residents, then I put my views on the website, so that people can see my opinion. However, I try not to comment on things that are not directly relevant to the majority of Kensington residents.
As a team – my priority is casework and dealing directly with residents, and meeting residents each week. I try to avoid “lobbying emails”. Obviously with complex cases we need to see the residents a number of times, and help them with their various meetings with officers or officials and if appropriate I also work with their local councillors (from any party) to make sure they are not left without support.
A Member of Parliament is often the last resort for people on housing, immigration and benefits. I have been able to help a great many residents since elected and I hope to continue to do this if re-elected.
Ivory: “Will you continue to lobby Theresa May about ivory in spite of such being highly unpopular with constituents and others such as Deborah Meaden?”
I supplied a full response to Deborah Meaden who said she was content with my response and why I am representing the antiques trade in Kensington and our great museums. She kindly offered to send my response to others who were concerned. I have offered to meet her should I get re-elected.
I support the current proposals which are to make sure we enforce the ban on trading in modern ivory.
No antique dealer wants to kill elephants; no antique dealer supports poaching. The only ivory that can be sold in this country is antique and carved. However, there are countries, including those in Europe who still permit the trading of tusks, although this is shortly to be outlawed – not before time.
We can and should preserve works of art that are our shared cultural inheritance for future generations, while at the same time doing everything in our power to ensure that these terrible assaults on wildlife do not continue. The next generation need to be able to grow up in a world with healthy herds of elephants. However, these are not mutually exclusive positions. This is a view expressed by some of our leading museums, such as the Victoria and Albert Museum and the British Museum.
As you will be aware many musical instruments contain ivory “tinkling the ivories – playing the piano” comes to mind as well as significant treasures in our churches. In our area we have three magnificent museums – the Natural History, V&A and Science Museums – and they all have ivory – antique and old ivory.
Both elephants and our shared cultural inheritance are there for us all; we need to work together to look after both, and I have no doubt that this is possible.
Annabel Mullin, Liberal Democratic Party
What will you do to help the ‘hidden homeless’ of Kensington?”
Rough sleepers and the homesless have had a very tough time of late. Funding has dried up, centres have closed and specialist help has become less frequent. We need to provide holistic care – that means that we must look at social care with mental health for these individuals alongside.
Money park Kensington: “How will you help local businesses counter such decline if re-elected?”
I would like to bring a private members’ bill to fundamentally change business rates as they are killing our local businesses.
Brexit: “How, going forward, will you credibly represent the 48% who voted to ‘remain’, as someone who went on the phones to support ‘leave’?”
As a passionate European and Remainer who feels we are best placed in the European Union, I will fight especially for being in the single market (not just access) and to protect the rights of all EU citizens and their freedom of movement.
Answering constituents: “How will you improve your pathetically low 18% response rate to constituents’ correspondence, as registered on TheyWorkForYou.com if re-elected?”
It has been an absolute pleasure getting to know people in and around Kensington over the last nearly seven weeks. It would be a privilege to serve Kensington and communicate with everyone.
Ivory: “Will you continue to lobby Theresa May about ivory in spite of such being highly unpopular with constituents and others such as Deborah Meaden?”
I find it incredible that China has a ban but the current MP for Kensington does not support it.
Emma Dent Coad, Labour Party
Emma Dent Coad (pictured with Gina Miller of Best For Britain)
Ms Dent Coad failed to respond to repeated requests from The Steeple Times to answer the five questions. They were put to her via email.
A 20-question interview with criminal justice expert, former police officer and Liberal Democrat candidate for Kensington Annabel Mullin
The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force?
To live every moment to the fullest and make the biggest difference to people’s lives that I can.
“Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?
I love the motto ‘carpe diem’ (seize the day). When I was younger, Dead Poets Society was one of my favourite films.
Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2017?
Brexit.
Tony Blair misses being Prime Minister. What do you miss most in your life?
Currently I’m missing not seeing my children much because I am campaigning so hard.
What might you swap all your wealth for?
Knowing that my children will have a great future.
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 state of the financial system?
One of the things I would like to see in Kensington is more support for small businesses and local shop owners that help to create our community. We are currently facing threats to our local services from business rates and that is something that needs to be addressed.
What phrase or word do you most loathe?
I loathe it when people say things they don’t mean. ‘Strong and Stable’ is currently high up there.
In the UK, some people consider charity to “begin at home”. What’s your view and what causes do you personally support?
I agree. I support that concept. Having worked at Crisis, I continue to support homeless charities. I also love shopping in our fabulous Kensington charity shops.
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?
Mobiles are amazingly useful and I’m a bit of an addict to my device. However, there is a time and a place for them.
If you could fill a carriage on The Orient Express, who would be your fellow passengers?
George Orwell, Harriet Harmen, Lawrence of Arabia, Margaret Thatcher, Winston Churchill, Sophie in’t Veld, Hercule Poirot, Hilary Clinton, Charlie Chaplin, Shirley Williams, Paula Radcliffe, Prince and Laura Kuenssberg.
If you were unfortunate enough to end up on death row, what would be your last meal and where would you eat it?
My meal would be steak, chips and red wine followed by tiramisu. I’d rather like to eat it high up in Petra overlooking the wondrous landscape.
What time is it acceptable to consume the first drink of the day?
That depends entirely on which time zone you are going by.
A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?
A martini, preferably an espresso martini.
Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?
Now, dinner parties with close friends but when I was younger, more partying.
Who is the most positive person you know?
My husband.
What’s your most guilty pleasure?
The ‘Archers Appreciation’ group on Facebook… With wine.
If a tattoo were to sum you up, what would it be of?
A dragon.
If you were a car, what marque would you be?
A Mercedes-Benz Gullwing.
Cilla Black presented Surprise, Surprise. Tell us the most surprising thing about you.
That I was an ultra-marathon runner and completed the Marathon Des Sables in 2008.
What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?
An elephant – the house is littered with them, candlesticks and birthday cards for my eldest’ fifth birthday.
Annabel Mullin was born and brought up in Kensington and Chelsea. She is mother of three young children, a keen environmentalist and a cyclist. She is a criminal justice expert and has spent most of her life working in London as an analyst, a Metropolitan Police officer in Soho and Mayfair and as an assistant psychologist with prisoners with mental illness. Recently she has worked as a PhD researcher at UCL.
A 20-question interview with public affairs and communications consultant and Liberal Democrat candidate for Chelsea & Fulham Louise Rowntree
The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force?
Treat others the way you want to be treated.
“Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?
You’re not living unless you take risks.
Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2017?
Theresa May.
Tony Blair misses being Prime Minister. What do you miss most in your life?
Time to ‘mong’.
What might you swap all your wealth for?
Being the fastest swimmer in the world.
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 state of the financial system?
It was going quite well in Britain until Brexit.
What phrase or word do you most loathe?
“How are you?” instead of “hello”.
In the UK, some people consider charity to “begin at home”. What’s your view and what causes do you personally support?
With three children, a small business and the General Election, I am conscious that I don’t do enough to help out in the local community currently. Locally, I’m ambassador for the Fulham Cricket Club – which gives free cricket training to children whose parents wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford it, and has linked up with a number of charities including Hammersmith & Fulham Refugees Welcome. More generally, I donate (a modest sum) to Save the Children each month.
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 late father always said: “You can tell who’s important. They’re the ones without a phone”. When on a train take calls in the corridor, try to avoid taking them when with others but – if you must – ask permission first. Never put your phone on a table if with others.
If you could fill a carriage on The Orient Express, who would be your fellow passengers?
Vincent Cassel, Nancy Wake (‘The White Mouse’), Ian Hislop, Michelle Obama, Mick Jagger, Amy Schumer, Guillaume Canet, Diana Ross, Jimmy Fallon and the entire cast of Saturday Night Live.
If you were unfortunate enough to end up on death row, what would be your last meal and where would you eat it?
Chinese dim sum, on a boat on the River Thames going through Chelsea and Fulham.
What time is it acceptable to consume the first drink of the day?
Any time, as long the occasion fits and you can handle your drink.
A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?
A Negroni, but in a glass, not from the bottle.
Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?
Ours: Because my husband DJ’s and we always have to threaten to call the police at 4am.
Who is the most positive person you know?
Jessica Arora: Fashion guru, co-founder of NotSuchAModelMum and a good friend.
What’s your most guilty pleasure?
Eating a whole box of salt and vinegar Pringles whilst drinking wine in bed and watching American TV series’.
If a tattoo were to sum you up, what would it be of?
A rowan tree: I’m a descendant of Vikings who invaded York over a thousand years ago and took their name from the local rowan tree – which morphed into ‘Rowntree’: Rooted, earth, strong, proud – it sums up both my Yorkshire ancestors and me.
If you were a car, what marque would you be?
A Lada: Old fashioned, rare, traditional and scrubs up surprisingly well with a bit of polish.
Cilla Black presented Surprise, Surprise. Tell us the most surprising thing about you.
I was taught how to fight at the age of five, but thankfully have only once had to.
What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?
A Mappin & Webb clock my late father was given when he retired from the bank he ran, a couple of Delft vases from a Belgian flee market, a Limoges egg which belonged to my late grandmother, and my son’s Grade 2 Music Theory certificate.
Louise Rowntree is a lawyer-turned-public affairs and communications consultant who grew up in Chelsea and lives in Fulham. She is married to Raphael, a Belgian lawyer, has three sons and is standing as the Liberal Democrat for Chelsea & Fulham in the 2017 General Election.
Louise worked for several years in Brussels – where she ran Hill & Knowlton’s Trade & Competition department. In 2012 she founded her own, niche, consultancy Rowntree & Associates and moved back to London soon after. She has personally advised heads of state, ambassadors, ministers, multinationals, NGOs and law firms.
A 20-question interview with Adrien Gaubert, award-winning co-founder of myGwork – an inclusive LGBTI recruitment hub
The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force?
Positivity and fun. I am grateful to be alive and able to do what I do. Enjoy every moment.
“Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?
Just be yourself, be honest and work towards a goal. You’ll achieve it.
Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2017?
Bashar al-Assad.
Tony Blair misses being Prime Minister. What do you miss most in your life?
I miss living in China. I am a great fan of Chinese culture and their way of thinking.
What might you swap all your wealth for?
To give food and shelter to everyone.
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 state of the financial system?
Our financial system protects the wealthy and has given up on the poor.
What phrase or word do you most loathe?
“God wants” – I don’t believe, if there were such a thing as God, he would expect anything from humanity.
In the UK, some people consider charity to “begin at home”. What’s your view and what causes do you personally support?
Whenever someone asks me for a coin in the street, I give them a smile and give them what they have asked for. I believe such people are incredible brave to ask others for help and comfort. I personally support anyone in need without distinction or judgement. I never buy sandwiches for homeless people when they ask for cash even if they might use it to buy alcohol or drugs. If I were living on the street, I might also want to get high so as to forget about my situation.
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?
Your microwave could explode anytime, but you use it everyday. I believe mobile phones are a great communication tool and I would not give mine up.
If you could fill a carriage on The Orient Express, who would be your fellow passengers?
I would take my brothers, my mum and my grandma and grandpa (with whom I watched the movie adapted from the Agatha Christie novel when I was a child).
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 some really spicy Sichuan food.
What time is it acceptable to consume the first drink of the day?
12pm if it is summer and a holiday. 7pm during the week.
A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?
If it is just one, then tea but if I get more than one, martinis.
Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?
Mexican weddings. Those people clearly know how to celebrate.
Who is the most positive person you know?
Probably me.
What’s your most guilty pleasure?
Cigarettes.
If a tattoo were to sum you up, what would it be of?
I have no tattoos and I am not a fan of them as a form of expression. Personally, I would not get a tattoo to remember who or what I love.
If you were a car, what marque would you be?
A Jaguar. They are safe and fashionable.
Cilla Black presented Surprise, Surprise. Tell us the most surprising thing about you.
I have a twin brother.
What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?
Flowers.
Adrien Gaubert is a 29-year old Frenchman who now lives in London. He co-founded myGwork, a networking and recruitment platform to promote diversity for LGBTI professionals and graduates, with his twin brother, Pierre.
A 20-question interview with English born, Los Angeles based actor and musician Jack Turner
The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force?
Treat people well. Try and learn your blind spots.
“Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?
Be nice, but don’t get shat on.
Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2017?
Everything seems to be acceptable. People are being absolutely despicable because of messaging they see from those in power. Perhaps the only unacceptable thing is calm and clear discourse.
Tony Blair misses being Prime Minister. What do you miss most in your life?
My family and Weymouth Beach.
What might you swap all your wealth for?
Everyone having some.
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 state of the financial system?
That, and the political system (similar principles), make me most unhappy to be an atheist.
What phrase or word do you most loathe?
“Reach out”. The word I maybe most love is “tosspot”.
In the UK, some people consider charity to “begin at home”. What’s your view and what causes do you personally support?
I think there’s a threshold of financial and social safety below which there is no hope to ascend, and that people below that threshold need help. What we have in the UK and US would be considered a ludicrous luxury in many places. I personally just donated a pretty solid sum to Syria and Somalia.
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 wish my phone would blow me up. These devices are ruining people’s presence, empathy, and ability to talk. I just read a great summary of the evidence linking socialization and our neurobiology. When you consider socialisation is being replaced by phones, I fear sociopathy will rise massively. Put the fucking phone away, or on silent if you just can’t be without it, you tosspot.
If you could fill a carriage on The Orient Express, who would be your fellow passengers?
People without phones, who can like each other even if they disagree. I pick my girlfriend and my mate Monte. Anyone else is welcome. That should ignite some fun.
If you were unfortunate enough to end up on death row, what would be your last meal and where would you eat it?
Curry from Mirch Masala in Tooting, and bitter. Followed by red velvet cake and some Law Estates Cab.
What time is it acceptable to consume the first drink of the day?
Not so much a case of “Is this acceptable?” as: “Will my body reject this now?”
A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?
I don’t know what a Negroni is. Martinis are frightening. So I’ll go for some tea, please.
Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?
Those I curate carefully to avoid tosspots. Because I loathe tosspots.
Who is the most positive person you know?
My girlfriend. I’m lucky enough that this is a pretty competitive decision, but she takes the cake.
What’s your most guilty pleasure?
Aforementioned red velvet cake. And guitars.
If a tattoo were to sum you up, what would it be of?
I don’t like tattoos, which I think sums me up.
If you were a car, what marque would you be?
Public transport or a bicycle. I now realise both sound dirty.
Cilla Black presented Surprise, Surprise. Tell us the most surprising thing about you.
To my shame I didn’t know what an incredible singer she was. I thought she was just a host. That surprised me. I’m a terrible singer. Which maybe makes it surprising that I was in a great band and continue to make music. Check out our old stuff if you’re interested – Cable Car on Spotify, iTunes, etc.
What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?
Our place isn’t fancy enough to have a mantlepiece. However, we do have a cupboard, upon which we put meaningful things. My mum potted me an Oscar statue, which we call ‘Oscar’. Probably unoriginal, but, I think it’s very sweet, and I’ll take what I can get.
Jack Turner grew up in Weymouth, Dorset, where he was a dubiously-skilled mackerel fishing tour guide. He studied psychology at Oxford before working for Google in London and San Francisco. He’s now an actor in Hollywood and has starred in Netflix’s ‘The 10 Year Plan’ and Hallmark’s ‘My Summer Prince’.
A 20-question interview with businesswoman and founder of the Sean Edwards Foundation Daphne McKinley
The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force?
My guiding force is my son Sean who drives me forward since his death to make real changes in motorsport in order to stop unnecessary deaths.
“Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?
Follow your heart, live by the truth, stay strong, don’t let fear get in the way and live today as tomorrow may never come.
Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2016?
That there is poverty in the world.
Tony Blair misses being Prime Minister. What do you miss most in your life?
My son.
What might you swap all your wealth for?
To have him back.
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 state of the financial system?
Probably true – I think unrestrained greed was the cause of the collapse and for our current financial state which is good for the individual but not for the society in which that individual lives. I believe that the regulatory framework that has now been set up is not stringent enough and still doesn’t ensure another collapse.
What phrase or word do you most loathe?
#
In the UK, some people consider charity to “begin at home”. What’s your view and what causes do you personally support?
My belief is that charity should begin at himself. I believe that we should take care our family, friends, and others first before taking care of anyone else especially the old and the young.
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?
Get rid of them as much as you can. They fry your brain in more way then one.
If you could fill a carriage on The Orient Express, who would be your fellow passengers?
Jesus Christ, Winston Churchill, Mahatma Ghandi, Nelson Mandela, Mozart, Van Gogh, Mohammad, Eddie Murphy, George Carlin and my family – Natasha and Jeremy Dillahunt and Jade Edwards.
If you were unfortunate enough to end up on death row, what would be your last meal and where would you eat it?
A bottle of good red wine whilst kneeling and praying for a miracle.
What time is it acceptable to consume the first drink of the day?
After 6pm.
A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?
A martini.
Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?
Dinners at home with family and friends as they have meaning.
Who is the most positive person you know?
My dog, Mr Darcy.
What’s your most guilty pleasure?
Chocolate.
If a tattoo were to sum you up, what would it be of?
“F*** off”.
If you were a car, what marque would you be?
A Ferrari.
Cilla Black presented Surprise, Surprise. Tell us the most surprising thing about you.
I’m probably mad.
What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?
The ‘Throphy wife’ by Alexander de Cadenet, candles, photos of my family, a large plant, a book titled Fuck The Resume by Jeremy Dillahunt and my daughter Jade’s film script.
Businesswoman and mother of three Daphne McKinley was born in Ireland and grew up on a stud farm. She has a broad commercial background and decades of property development experience and also founded the Sean Edwards Foundation in honour of her late son.
Follow her on Twitter at @DaphneMcKinley and the Sean Edwards Foundation at @SeanEdwardsF.
