Born in 1983 in Alnwick, Northumberland, Nick Bell is amongst the few youngsters who genuinely deserve the accolade “entrepreneur”. A former pupil of The Royal Grammar School, Newcastle, Bell sold his first company, Tennfront.com, for £1 million at the age of 16 and has been vice president of content at Snapchat since 2013. Meeting him has been described as being like a “golden ticket” to success. He has over 5,000 followers on Twitter.
Matthew Steeples suggests Jeremy Corbyn’s appointment of Diane Abbott as Home Secretary proves he’s beyond bonkers
I am honoured to be blocked on Twitter by Diane Abbott MP. She’s now Shadow Home Secretary and in appointing her, the worst Labour leader in history, Jeremy Corbyn, achieved one thing: He proved that he’s only capable of working with morons.
Abbott, an offensive hypocrite of the first order and the former lover of Mr Corbyn, believes that “white people love playing divide and rule” and regularly attacks Tory education policy on state schools yet pays for her own son to be privately educated.
Previously a wannabe Mayor of London and a contestant on Come Dine With Me and Pointless, this idiot woman makes Theresa May look like an intellectual giant. For this decision, Jeremy Corbyn can only be described as an utter pillock.
Subscribe to our free once daily email newsletter here:[wysija_form id=”2″]
Woman whose sex toy ended up stuck up her bum (and then told the ‘Mail Online’ all about it) has to be our ultimate Wally of the Week
You couldn’t make it up – Our Wally of the Week had to be Emma Phillips, a 24 year old teacher whom had to undergo surgery after a seven inch pink sex toy became lodged up her bum.
Whilst one can certainly feel sorry for the Liverpudlian woman’s plight, that she went to the Mail Online and told them all about it proves that she’s nothing but either a money grabber or fame hungry or simply stupid.
In comments on Facebook, Miss Phillips stated:
“When a bit of Saturday morning playtime results in spending the day in Wrexham hospital having a nice pink vibrator surgically removed from your bowel areas…. whilst it’s still vibrating. If you can’t on a Saturday when can ya?”
Of trying to remove it, she told the paper:
“For a while Lee [her boyfriend] was suggesting all kinds of wonderful options. He tried a kitchen fork handle, which we won’t be using again, and said he could feel it at one point but that it was too far up – it was a goner. He tried BBQ prongs too but after a certain point – after an hour of trying – we knew were going to have to go to hospital. We were both a bit shocked”.
Thankfully the operation was a success and of what happened, Miss Phillips concluded: “I’ve learnt that I’ll need to be a bit more careful in the future”.
Subscribe to our free once daily email newsletter here:[wysija_form id=”2″]
Hillary Clinton gives Donald Trump a hiding in the most watched television debate in history
Over 100 million people tuned in to watch Hillary Clinton give Donald Trump a bit of a hiding on Monday night in the first of a series of presidential debates. Twitter users posted over 5 million tweets – 62% of them about Trump – about it and the general consensus was that Clinton stayed calm whilst Trump lost his cool.
Highlights of the 90-minute clash included:
Clinton attacking Trump’s business record and claiming: “There is something he is hiding”. The Donald’s somewhat arrogant answer to Clinton’s remarks about him not paying federal income tax was: “That makes me smart”.
The King of the Combover stating that he “doesn’t believe [Clinton] has the stamina” to be president. She responded by pointing out she’d visited 112 countries as secretary of state and added: “When Donald Trump spends 11 hours testifying in front of a congressional committee, he can talk to me about stamina”.
Mrs Clinton criticised him for suggesting climate change was a Chinese hoax. He denied making the remarks in spite of having tweeted: “The concept of global warming was created by and for the Chinese in order to make US manufacturing non-competitive” in November 2012.
She attacked him for praising Russian President Vladimir Putin, and suggesting he “find” her emails. “I was so shocked when Donald publicly invited Putin to hack into Americans. That is just unacceptable… Donald is unfit to be commander-in-chief”, stated Clinton. The Donald responded by saying he’d release his tax returns if she released the 33,000 emails that were deleted from her private home server.
Afterwards, Trump was filmed being quickly whisked away in his car. Clinton, meanwhile, attended a debate watch party and whilst there urged her supporters to “keep fighting”. She told them: “You saw tonight how high the stakes are”.
Trump, who was described by The Guardian as “sniffing and sounded nasally congested”, was clearly last night’s loser. Sensible people everywhere just hope that continues to be the case.
Subscribe to our free once daily email newsletter here:[wysija_form id=”2″]
Kelly Double suggests where to learn to shoot and where to stay within easy reach of London
There’s seldom a diversion from city life as effective as a session of clay shooting. In the wake of Team GB’s Olympic successes and as the shooting season is getting underway, there’s never been a better time to put your finger to the trigger and immerse yourself in this heritage, country sport.
The wide rural skies and focus on hitting targets can easily chase away the stresses of urban living with exhilaration. With both grouse and partridge already in season, and pheasants joining at the beginning of October, I have pulled together my top four destinations for learning how to shoot, and which countryside establishment nearby you can rely on to provide you with delicious sustenance afterwards. My options have varied menus and low-key luxury bedrooms and are thus perfect spots to recharge after a long day in the fresh air.
Shoot at The Oxford Gun Company
Located just an hour outside London and set in some 400 acres of stunning quintessential British countryside, The Oxford Gun Company is an award winning family-run shooting ground with over 40 years’ experience in the business. Surrounded by rolling countryside, and a course set across babbling brooks, there is no better place to become immersed in this heritage sport.
The instructors at The Oxford Gun Company teach the Stanbury Method and have the experience that it takes to truly give you the best introduction to the sport, guiding you from the very beginning – Amber Hill trained here and completed its TSC Academy, so they know what they’re doing. Whether you aspire to the Olympic rings, or just want to enjoy some time in the countryside, the team can help you hit the targets to get there.
Then dine and stay at The Pheasant
Celebrate a successful day’s shooting at The Pheasant, Brill. Just down the road from The Oxford Gun Company, the pub is perched on a hill and enjoys views over the historic Brill Windmill and neighbouring counties. The Pheasant, to my mind, offers the true country pub package.
You can sample a wide range of traditional dishes, made on site with locally sourced, seasonal produce and then head to bed in one of the cosy rooms. Service is friendly and the atmosphere excellent.
Shoot at Lady’s Wood
Set amidst the beautiful Gloucestershire countryside, with easy access from both the M4 and M5, Lady’s Wood is not far from Bristol and Bath. The grounds are set in 65 acres of natural woodland with a quintessentially welcoming Cotswold stone lodge.
The course has a large variety of sporting traps which can simulate anything, from a bolting rabbit to a long distance pheasant thrown from the 120 ft High Tower – a special feature of the school and one of the highest in the country. Lady’s Wood instructors are always delighted to introduce new shooters to the sport, delivering a full and thorough understanding in all aspects of gun safety and shooting etiquette. The team are skilled in the tuition of juniors and ladies and will make you feel relaxed and safe whilst building confidence in your new skills.
Then dine and stay at The King’s Arms
A traditional British pub and hotel set within the small village of Didmarton in the beautiful Cotswolds, The King’s Arms is an absolute treat. Serving local ales and beers alongside an evolving menu of seasonal British cuisine it’s a sure fire way to enjoy countryside comfort. The restaurant only uses the freshest locally sourced produce and all game on offer comes direct from the neighbouring country estates.
With a choice of self-catering cottages in the stables of the original 17th century King’s Arms, or cottage-style bed and breakfast rooms the luxurious touches will allow you to feel like the Cotswolds is truly your home. Dogs are welcome too – so there’s no need to be afraid of bringing the pooch along for an adventure.
Shoot at The Royal Berkshire Shooting School
Established over two decades ago, The Royal Berkshire Shooting School is recognised as one of the finest facilities of its kind. The school employs seven full-time, professional shooting instructors, and has one of the most expansive shooting grounds in the country.
Its frontline team of shooting professionals has amassed over 100,000 hours as instructors and more than 125 years of experience in the shooting and fishing business. You will know you’re in safe hands. If you want a challenge in a forward-thinking environment, this is the place for you.
Then dine and stay at The Yew Tree
The Yew Tree Inn is a delightful 17th century country pub with rooms and excellent dining situated in the lovely English countryside, moments from Highclere Castle. The food here is an absolute treat, and as a result, The Yew Tree has quite rightly built up a reputation for its high standard of food and service.
With two AA Rosettes, The Yew Tree’s superb kitchen team is headed up by Emma Broom whose has over 20 years of experience cooking great British cuisine. Menus are inspired by the surrounding English countryside, so expect to dine on fresh fish and game plucked straight from forests and rivers nearby. Every one of the rooms has been designed with comfort and relaxation in mind and you’ll not be disappointed. Dogs are more than welcome in some of the rooms and The Yew Tree can even provide facilities such as dog beds and water bowls on request.
Shoot at Bisley
Easily accessible from London and set in the Surrey countryside, the short journey to the countryside will evoke a sudden release of tension that only the outdoors can prompt. A leader in the world of clay shooting, Bisley was founded in 1895 and its grounds are continually being developed to ensure an unbeatable service and variety of targets. It’s ideal for both beginners looking for an introduction to the sport and more seasoned shots. Each instructor is carefully selected and the great majority have shot for Great Britain.
Beginners looking for step-by-step advice can request one-to-one lessons to start off on the right foot whilst seasoned professionals can polish their skills with top tips from the very best in the business.
Then dine and stay at The Inn at West End
Just 20 minutes from Bisley and recently refurbished to the highest standard, The Inn at West End is the perfect escape from the city. Fresh, seasonal produce is the cornerstone of each and every plate and longstanding, excellent relationships with its suppliers mean that the menu changes and evolves according to the best ingredients dependent on the time of year. Nuanced, innovative dishes sit happily alongside more traditional, British pub classics. Disappointment is not an option.
Each room is individually decorated in a contemporary country style and equipped with all you need for a relaxing stay in rural idyll. With beds that look (and feel) like clouds, flat-screen TVs, broadband access, en-suite wet rooms, safes sized to accommodate shotguns and many other thoughtful details this is an inn that will impress. Two rooms even cater for dogs, and one for guests who require additional accessibility facilities.
Kelly Double is an account executive at Zambuni, a marketing agency specialising in the country lifestyle sector. Follow her on Twitter at @KellyDouble1.
Subscribe to our free once daily email newsletter here:[wysija_form id=”2″]
A 20-question interview with Nolan Browne, manager of London’s Taschen store and Gallery Nolan Browne
The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force?
Ambition.
“Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?
Rubbish in, rubbish out.
Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2016?
Homelessness and Donald Trump.
Tony Blair misses being Prime Minister. What do you miss most in your life?
A couple of people.
What might you swap all your wealth for?
I wouldn’t.
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?
Is there still a crisis?
What phrase or word do you most loathe?
‘Take care’.
In the UK, some people consider charity to “begin at home”. What’s your view and what causes do you personally support?
I detest chuggers and I’m running the Royal Park Half Marathon in October for Shelter, who help the homeless.
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?
Don’t text while driving or cycling. Remarkable that people do it.
If you could fill a carriage on The Orient Express, who would be your fellow passengers?
Woody Allen and Magritte and a billionaire, just to find out exactly how you get that rich.
If you were unfortunate enough to end up on death row, what would be your last meal and where would you eat it?
I doubt you could wander too far, so maybe a nice Harrods hamper in the prison yard.
What time is it acceptable to consume the first drink of the day?
Anytime depending on the occasion.
A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?
A martini.
Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?
Arty ones – always full of characters and great chat.
Who is the most positive person you know?
Both of my sisters are very positive.
What’s your most guilty pleasure?
Thomas Pink shirts.
If a tattoo were to sum you up, what would it be of?
No answer.
If you were a car, what marque would you be?
Any kind of Ferrari.
Cilla Black presented Surprise, Surprise. Tell us the most surprising thing about you.
I was born in Bangkok.
What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?
A wedding invitation and some art related postcards.
Nolan Browne is the manager of London’s TASCHEN Store and Gallery Nolan Browne. Travel and art are in his blood and he is the son of a diplomat and an art collector. Browne was born in Bangkok, grew up in New York, Somalia, Ukraine and Rwanda and went to school in the UK. While at university, he founded Unscene Art, a pop-up platform for emerging artists. It was dubbed “The student Turner Prize” by i-D magazine. Pitstops at White Cube and Phillips Auction House led him to TASCHEN – where he is fast turning the London store into one of the capital’s art destinations.
Follow him on Instagram at @nolanbrowne.
Subscribe to our free once daily email newsletter here:[wysija_form id=”2″]
A 20-question interview with director and producer Charlie David
The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force?
I have an uncanny knack for honing in on beautiful Brazilian men in a crowd. I’m mysteriously led to them like a dowsing stick to water.
“Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?
Be brave enough to be honest with everyone in your life.
Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2016?
Man buns.
Tony Blair misses being Prime Minister. What do you miss most in your life?
Playing the piano. I know, I know! Easy enough to fix. A little easier to get back in the saddle with than becoming the head of Her Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom.
What might you swap all your wealth for?
One night of debauchery with Ricky Martin.
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?
Like travel, music, film, and other industries before it, the big banks now face the squeeze of existing in the age of the Internet. There are better places to invest than through traditional means and people are becoming savvy to that.
What phrase or word do you most loathe?
In television, network execs are very fond of using the words ‘buckets’ and ‘wheelhouse’ to describe the topics or areas of interest on their shopping list. It makes me gag a little.
Overheard at the markets this year: “Murder is huge. We want BIG characters and murder. Like if you have anything with a village of little people who come together as a community to sleuth out a serial killer who has been stalking them? That would definitely be in our wheelhouse”.
In the UK, some people consider charity to “begin at home”. What’s your view and what causes do you personally support?
Through trips to Tanzania, Kenya, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and South Africa I was able to see a lot of wildlife, humanitarian and environmental initiatives. I think these are important but somehow we’re still really missing the mark in terms of foreign aid.
I recently read Paul Theroux’s Dark Star Safari: Overland from Cairo to Cape Town and it was a bit shocking to me in its frank and pragmatic assessment of the impact of foreign aid and voluntourism. Definitely a very good read for anyone who has spent time in Africa or other parts of the world as a volunteer. It certainly caused me to pause and reflect a lot on the type of initiatives I lend my time and dollars to.
Now on the international front, I micro-lend through Kiva.org which to me seems a more pragmatic way forward than hand-outs. It supports entrepreneurs around the world who are unable to apply for a traditional bank loan. I think it fosters business skills, accountability and trust which are all great characteristics for a thriving community.
At home I like to contribute to educational, environmental and arts organizations and generally prefer to donate time/money directly to ones I’ve been involved in. That way I know the people; I can gage the impact and witness the ongoing results.
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 should be well and truly hidden whenever humans gather to break bread.
If you could fill a carriage on The Orient Express, who would be your fellow passengers?
Ricky Martin. Can we have one carriage to ourselves? Please? Honestly, I just think he’s talented and a total D.I.L.F. It’s likely just a passing fancy, not fanaticism.
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 ask for something I could share with the other inmates like a pizza party at the gym in the courtyard. I’d want it to be a block party, not a solo steak dinner.
What time is it acceptable to consume the first drink of the day?
If you’re in control of your use of alcohol and it’s not controlling you, then the hour of the clock is irrelevant.
A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?
A Negroni s’il vous plait.
Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?
My nephews’ and nieces’. I love watching them go to work on a piñata.
Who is the most positive person you know?
My mother. She is pure joy and gratitude. I strive to embody that outlook.
What’s your most guilty pleasure?
Pizza and Netflix.
If a tattoo were to sum you up, what would it be of?
Ricky Martin eating a pizza and watching Netflix.
If you were a car, what marque would you be?
Honda – Reliable, frugal and pragmatic.
Cilla Black presented Surprise, Surprise. Tell us the most surprising thing about you.
I had a band as a teenager and opened for Destiny’s Child when Ferra was still part of the group.
What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?
Books, books, books. And a bobble-head doll of Ricky Martin.
Charlie David is a storyteller with film, books and web. He lives in Toronto and Montréal, Canada and is the founder of Border2Border Entertainment, Inc.
Follow him on Twitter at @CharlieDavid and view his channel on YouTube at @MrCharlieDavid.
Subscribe to our free once daily email newsletter here:[wysija_form id=”2″]
New contributor Jacina Coyne on how to spend a day in Petworth, West Sussex
Petworth is well known for its synonymous stately home and its grounds by ‘England’s greatest gardener’, Capability Brown. This is a charming gem of a town in the English countryside and is easily accessible from London. I reached it in an hour with no traffic.
Overflowing with character, Petworth boasts over forty antiques shops and they are well known for the treasures within them. While this town is easy going, it also boasts sophisticated tastes.
I would suggest this to be the ideal place to take a visiting friend who wishes to see a bit of the English countryside; you will be hard pressed, in fact, to find anywhere better for a better day trip.
My five must visits are:
A two rosette stared restaurant with a glorious outdoor dining area. The food is exquisite and the menu thoughtful; the atmosphere is relaxed but the service is five star.
700 acres of sheer beauty managed by the National Trust.
A wonderful Georgian house brimming with everything from objets d’art to personalised monogrammed bags by the stylish yet practical Italian brand My Style Bags. Here, also, you’ll find the only concession of Linley outside London.
Fresh breads, a cheese larder and butcher – bursting with wonderful edibles such as walnut pesto and brownies.
The best ready meals on the market according to The Telegraph’s Xanthe Clay. For me, though, it was their pecan pie that topped the bill. Be sure to take home a feast from this foodie’s paradise.
Follow Jacina Coyne on Instagram @jacina077.
Subscribe to our free once daily email newsletter here:[wysija_form id=”2″]
A 20-question interview with Nicola Radano, an Italian fashion blogger and founder of tie producers Spacca Neapolis
The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force?
Determination and loyalty.
“Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?
“One can get rich at any moment, but if one has no class, one is always a beggar” – paraphrased from philosopher and connoisseur of Neapolitan culture Luciano De Crescenzo.
Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2016?
A lot of people.
Tony Blair misses being Prime Minister. What do you miss most in your life?
I miss being able to sail.
What might you swap all your wealth for?
Living in a world populated by principled people.
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 banking crisis was born to the low value given to the Euro. I have no words to say on that.
What phrase or word do you most loathe?
“I can’t do it”.
In the UK, some people consider charity to “begin at home”. What’s your view and what causes do you personally support?
For me, it’s absolutely right to support both domestic and international charities. Helping someone who has little is the most gallant gesture that anyone can do.
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?
Smartphones are now improperly used by young children. This is harmful because many of them prefer using them to reading a good book.
If you could fill a carriage on The Orient Express, who would be your fellow passengers?
Only elegant men.
If you were unfortunate enough to end up on death row, what would be your last meal and where would you eat it?
A plate of spaghetti with tomato sauce by the sea.
What time is it acceptable to consume the first drink of the day?
In the afternoon.
A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?
A cup of Neapolitan coffee please.
Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?
I like afternoon appetizers in the summer time. I find them most relaxing.
Who is the most positive person you know?
My mum.
What’s your most guilty pleasure?
Sleeping in late without being interrupted.
If a tattoo were to sum you up, what would it be of?
A rudder.
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.
That I’ve been able to create unexpected things from nothing.
What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?
Family photos, antique ashtrays and a clock.
Nicola Radano declares his passion to be classical fashion and Neapolitan tailoring. He established a blog about the subject titled ‘Me, Myself & I’ in 2013 and launched his own firm of hand sewn tie producers, Spacca Neapolis, in 2016.
Follow him on Instagram at @nicolaradano and on Facebook by clicking here.
Subscribe to our free once daily email newsletter here:[wysija_form id=”2″]
A 20-question interview with jetsetter Eric Meier
The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force?
My intuition.
“Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?
‘Forgive but don’t forget’.
Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2016?
Donald Trump and Crocs.
Tony Blair misses being Prime Minister. What do you miss most in your life?
My sanity.
What might you swap all your wealth for?
World peace or never ageing.
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?
Invest. Banks are a joke.
What phrase or word do you most loathe?
‘I need’ – Even though I use it every day and a lot.
In the UK, some people consider charity to “begin at home”. What’s your view and what causes do you personally support?
Anything to do with children. Their innocence and honesty inspires me.
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 answer here is biased since I’m addicted to my phone. I think it’s actually glued to me.
If you could fill a carriage on The Orient Express, who would be your fellow passengers?
Oprah, Mariah Carey and Karl Lagerfeld.
If you were unfortunate enough to end up on death row, what would be your last meal and where would you eat it?
The cheesecake at Hôtel Costes in Paris or an In and Out burger.
What time is it acceptable to consume the first drink of the day?
In Europe, everything goes; in America, happy hour is at 4pm.
A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?
A martini. Filthy.
Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?
Those given by Riccardo Tisci – Beautiful people and beautiful clothes.
Who is the most positive person you know?
Myself – I’m never a pessimist.
What’s your most guilty pleasure?
My boyfriend.
If a tattoo were to sum you up, what would it be of?
I have one of a broken heart as I’m a hopeless romantic.
If you were a car, what marque would you be?
A Rolls-Royce Ghost extended version.
Cilla Black presented Surprise, Surprise. Tell us the most surprising thing about you.
I’m human.
What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?
Candles. Great lighting is key.
Eric Meier is based in Beverly Hills, California and describes himself as a well-travelled jetsetter. He adds: “Biographies are for dead people”.
Join his 28,000 followers on Instagram at @meiereric.
Subscribe to our free once daily email newsletter here:[wysija_form id=”2″]