The Steeple Times asks head sommelier of The Rib Room Bar & Restaurant Louise Gordon: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”
The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force?
Family, friends and the aim of one day owning my own business.
“Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?
“Per Ardua ad Astra” – “Through Adversity to the Stars”. Both my parents are ex-RAF so it is the first motto that I learnt and the one that has stuck with me.
The Steeple Times asks drinks industry guru and blogger Gary Hazell: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”
The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force?
“Go with your inner instinct”. I always think that most of us know instinctively what is right or wrong.
“Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?
I’d agree with that. I have a salmon priest in my backpack right now to prove that.
Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2013?
She still is.
Tony Blair misses being Prime Minister. What do you miss most in your life?
I miss Tony Blair.
What might you swap all your wealth for?
I don’t have any.
Donald Trump was once a case of: “If you owe the bank a thousand, they close you down; but if you owe the bank a billion, you own the bank”. What’s your view on the banking crisis?
The more you owe, the more likely you are to get away with it. If you go to the bank with a good idea, they’ll turn you down. Bankers only care about what they can make rather than how profitable a business may be.
What phrase or word do you most loathe?
“Like”.
In the UK, some people consider charity to “begin at home”. What’s your view and what causes do you personally support?
Charity should begin at home and if you look at our country we give away so much abroad but don’t do enough for our own infrastructure and the elderly.
The judge in Law Abiding Citizen states: “I can pretty much do whatever I want” before being blown up whilst answering her mobile phone. What’s your view on the appropriate use of such devices?
There are occasions when I hope that certain individuals on phones should be blown up. Not everyone wants to listen to your conversation. There is an appropriate time to use them.
If you could fill a carriage on The Orient Express, who would be your fellow passengers?
Molly Parkin, Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Jeremy Paxman, Jeremy Clarkson, Sir Derek Bell, Clive Anderson and Howard Marks.
If you were unfortunate enough to end up on death row, what would be your last meal and where would you eat it?
My own liver sautéed and a fine glass of Bordeaux. I assume I’d be in my cell but if not I’d be by a stream. I love fishing and have my own blog writing about my adventures on the water.
What time is it acceptable to consume the first drink of the day?
Anytime.
A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?
An aged Martinez cocktail made with the gin I promote, Sloane’s.
Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?
Those given by Matthew Steeples.
Who is the most positive person you know?
Definitely not my stepfather. My wife is an eternal optimist so she’s most definitely the most positive.
What’s your most guilty pleasure?
Scrumping.
If a tattoo were to sum you up, what would it be of?
I admire tattoos but probably wouldn’t want to endure the pain of having one done. If I had to, it’d be of my birth sign, scorpio. I suppose that means I have a sting in my tail.
If you were a car, what marque would you be?
A Jaguar D-Type.
Cilla Black presented Surprise, Surprise. Tell us the most surprising thing about you.
I’ve been put in Bow Street Police Station’s jail for a night.
What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?
Photographs of my sons and my wife, an old French Art Deco calendar and a fishing reel.
Gary Hazell is a drinks industry expert. He currently represents a range of spirits brands that include Sloane’s Gin, Purity Vodka and Rebellion Rum. In addition, he shares his passion for fishing with the world via his blog, Tales by the Riverbank.
Read Tales by the Riverbank at: http://talesbytheriverbank.wordpress.com
Follow Gary Hazell on Twitter at: http://www.twitter.com/talesbytheriver
The Steeple Times asks actor John Challis, best known for playing Boycie in “Only Fools and Horses”: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”
The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force?
Marlene is my guiding force at all times. Listen to your wife. She knows best.
“Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?
“Never lose that bitterness”.
Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2013?
Wind turbines.
Tony Blair misses being Prime Minister. What do you miss most in your life?
The energy of my youth.
What might you swap all your wealth for?
Life in a warm climate.
Donald Trump was once a case of: “If you owe the bank a thousand, they close you down; but if you owe the bank a billion, you own the bank”. What’s your view on the banking crisis?
Bloody capitalists!
What phrase or word do you most loathe?
“Gobsmacked”.
In the UK, some people consider charity to “begin at home”. What’s your view and what causes do you personally support?
I support animal charities especially Tusk Trust. They are fighting to save rhinos and elephants from extinction as a result of poaching. Ronnie Wood and I are the oldest and longest serving patrons of Tusk.
The judge in Law Abiding Citizen states: “I can pretty much do whatever I want” before being blown up whilst answering her mobile phone. What’s your view on the appropriate use of such devices?
Mobile phones are a bloody nuisance, especially on public transport. I have got into fights in the silent carriages of trains. Can’t live with them, can’t live without them. I resisted a mobile for years.
If you could fill a carriage on The Orient Express, who would be your fellow passengers?
Marlon Brando, James Stewart, Kim Novak, Prince Rupert of the Rhine, Tom Graveney, the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall, Jacques Tati, Marg Helgenberger and Paul Guilfoyle.
If you were unfortunate enough to end up on death row, what would be your last meal and where would you eat it?
Gorgonzola cheese with fresh figs and a glass of vintage port on the terrace of the Hotel Splendido in Portofino, Italy.
What time is it acceptable to consume the first drink of the day?
6pm unless out to lunch.
A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?
A martini, stirred not shaken, with a twist of lemon and an olive for my heartburn.
Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?
I don’t do parties anymore. My 60th finished me off.
Who is the most positive person you know?
My brother-in-law, Johnny Palmer.
What’s your most guilty pleasure?
ABBA.
If a tattoo were to sum you up, what would it be of?
A man with a cricket bat striking a cover drive.
If you were a car, what marque would you be?
An Aston Martin DB4.
Cilla Black presented Surprise, Surprise. Tell us the most surprising thing about you.
I wear Converse trainers.
What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?
Abby Bobblehead (NCIS), a miniature Trotter yellow van and a packet of lupin seeds sent to me from a Twitter follower in Texas.
John Challis is an English actor best known for his role as Terrance Aubrey “Boycie” Boyce in the long running BBC television comedy series Only Fools and Horses and its spin-off, The Green Green Grass.
To order signed copies of John Challis’ autobiography, Being Boycie and Boycie & Beyond, and to view the list of venues for his show on tour, go to: http://www.wigmorebooks.com
Follow him on Twitter at: http://www.twitter.com/BeingBoycie
The Steeple Times asks entrepreneur Laurence Benson: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”
The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force?
I fear a 9 to 5 office job. I cannot run far enough away from it.
“Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?
“Cheer up, the worst is yet to come”.
Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2013?
Unnecessary animal testing.
Tony Blair misses being Prime Minister. What do you miss most in your life?
Long school summer holidays. 12 weeks of sun, sand and golf.
What might you swap all your wealth for?
To bring a tropical climate to the UK.
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?
As a once recent graduate trying to find a job in the banking crisis, I feel bad for the kids that aspired to becoming a big shot in the City. These fresh faces are finding themselves in an environment where they must work inhuman hours, contribute a greater value, have no job security and get minimal rewards for their troubles.
What phrase or word do you most loathe?
“Alright for some!” – It is usually used as a negative statement, judgmental of others decisions, full of resentment and jealously.
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 lot of the main cancer charities as well as efforts in other areas. I have always been particularly close to The Aspinall Foundation and have worked with The Bill Clinton Foundation to provide clean water solutions to many parts of Africa.
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 loathe my mobile phone, but I am rarely detached from it when awake. They have become a ghastly anti-social necessity. More worryingly though, is my over riding belief that they will be the death of our generation.
If you could fill a carriage on The Orient Express, who would be your fellow passengers?
From past and present I would invite Salvador Dali, Nelson Mandela, Vivienne Westwood, Elton John, Audrey Hepburn and David Mitchell to keep the conversation amusing.
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 picnic on the beach between the port and castle of Mandelieu. The basket would contain a large array of starters including tomato and mozzarella salad and garlic gambas. For the main course, rosemary rotisserie chicken from La Maison du Bon Poulet. I’d finish off with a white chocolate parfait with honeycomb.
What time is it acceptable to consume the first drink of the day?
I’m trying to stop drinking before 5pm. The emphasis is on trying.
A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?
Always a cup of tea.
Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?
Any within my close circle of friends. Luckily, we are all fairly good party hosts and know how to have a good time.
Who is the most positive person you know?
Lulu Otte. She has had a few downs recently, but knowing that she will be blessed by many more ups in the future, she is always positive.
What’s your most guilty pleasure?
Jaffa Cakes.
If a tattoo were to sum you up, what would it be of?
A list of places I have visited and people I have met who have influenced my life, making me the person I am today.
If you were a car, what marque would you be?
I think a beach buggy. Laid back, good fun but effective at the job they do.
Cilla Black presented Surprise, Surprise. Tell us the most surprising thing about you.
Half of my family has roots in the Seychelles, which is why I hold a Seychellois passport.
What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?
A large mirror, a chiming clock, an MCC fixture list and a postcard from a friend in Hawaii. She’s rubbing salt into our cold April wounds.
Laurence Benson is a Belgravia based businessman. He began his career in the City but left to found first Lily & Benson, a design bureau and creative consultancy, and most recently a luxury accessories brand, Touni Minuit.
Follow him on Twitter at: http://www.twitter.com/LaurenceBenson
View Lily & Benson’s official website at: http://www.lilyandbenson.com
View Touni Minuit’s official website at: http://www.touniminuit.com
The Steeple Times asks art curator, advisor and advocate Kipton Cronkite: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”
The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force?
I surround myself with those who remind me not to take life too seriously and to laugh, no matter what. For new relationships, focus on those who have positive energy and a similar outlook on life.
“Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?
Immediately forget timewasters who are negative and dramatic.
The Steeple Times asks author Kathy Lette: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”
The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force?
I only write because it’s cheaper than therapy. Therapy and revenge. You can always impale an enemy on the end of your pen. Poetic justice is the only true justice in the world, and I say that married to a lawyer!
“Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?
Firstly: “Don’t wait to be rescued by a Knight in Shining Armani”. Secondly: “A woman must stand on her own two stilettos”. Oh, and thirdly: “Your female friends are your human wonder bras – uplifting, supportive and making each other look bigger and better”.
Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2013?
I would like to say misogyny is unacceptable in 2013, but as women still don’t have equal pay – we only get 80 pence in the pound, plus we’re constantly getting concussion hitting our heads on the glass ceiling, while also being expected to Windex it whilst up there, any woman who call herself a ‘post feminist’ has kept her wonder bra and burnt her brains.
Tony Blair misses being Prime Minister. What do you miss most in your life?
I miss smooth, youthful skin with no sun-damage or wrinkles. Ageing to women is like kryptonite to superman. Show me a woman who is happy with her age and I’ll show you the electro-convulsive therapy scorch marks. The trouble is, women suffer from facial prejudice – we get judged on our looks in a way that men don’t. For women, wordplay is foreplay. How else is Woody Allen still getting laid? But don’t resort to cosmetic surgery – a woman should never pick her nose, especially from a catalogue. Dimmer switch – greatest beauty aid known to womankind!
What might you swap all your wealth for?
The best things in life really are free – walking, talking, laughter, air and orgasms. Which is just as well as authors don’t make a lot of money. We’re in a constant state of debt-lag. I don’t understand finance. I thought ‘stag flation’ meant stalking something elk-like in the Scottish highlands with minor royalty.
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?
It seems that the only banks we can count on, post crash, are sperm banks. Write a cheque these days and the whole bank bounces. And yet bankers receive bonuses for this? It’s mind-boggling.
What phrase or word do you most loathe?
“It’s not the done thing” because once I do it, its done – so then it’s the “done thing”. I adore my British pals, but they do have Eyore-itis and a sense of impending failure. But optimism is not an eye disease. If you try something new, it might just work.
In the UK, some people consider charity to “begin at home”. What’s your view and what causes do you personally support?
What I really like about the British is that you give generously to charitable causes and developing countries. You don’t believe in the skimmed milk of human kindness. As I have a child on the autistic spectrum (I adore him and he’s without doubt, the most original and interesting person I’ve ever met and the inspiration for my latest novel The Boy Who Fell To Earth, about the mother of an autistic boy and her quirky quest for love), I am an ambassador for the National Autistic Society. As I’m also a feminist, I am an ambassador for Plan, The White Ribbon Alliance and Women and Children First – three charitable organizations devoted to making sure that women are not runners up in the human race.
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 have no idea what this question means. If you’re talking about mobile phone usage, I love my phone. I’m not on the Atkins Diet, but the Talkins diet – I just talk the weight off.
If you could fill a carriage on The Orient Express, who would be your fellow passengers?
As I adore wit and wordplay, I would have Mae West and Dorothy Parker – two women who have black belts in the art of tongue-fu. Plus Oscar Wilde, Spike Milligan, Douglas Adams and Shakespeare – all excellent cunning linguists. And of course, Emily Pankhurst and Simone de Beauvoir and other heroines of the women’s movement because without them, where would the rest of us be? Our talents would still be lying doormat, sorry dormant for decades as men walked all over us.
If you were unfortunate enough to end up on death row, what would be your last meal and where would you eat it?
My last meal would be a toy boy on a bed of meringue, eaten in a suite at the Savoy Hotel – ah, parting would be such suite sorrow. I was writer in residence there in 2004.
What time is it acceptable to consume the first drink of the day?
Children’s bath time – a stiff G and T is mother’s little helper. This habit continues well into their teens. Advice for any mothers of teenage daughters – next time your daughter hits you and kicks you and says “I wish you’d just die!” take a big drag on your cigarette and a big gulp of wine and say “I’m doing my best darling”. No mother can remain an aqua-holic.
A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?
Champagne – the least calorific drink and so effervescent. Otherwise a martini. But they make me tipsy so fast I get severe bottle fatigue.
Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?
I’m a socialist and a socialite, so my favourite parties combine a little of both – passion and politics, frivolity and fervor, flirtation and fierce debate. I’m leaving money in my will for the most chandelier-swinging send off ever. Plus I’ve thought of my epitaph – “Finally, a good plot”.
Who is the most positive person you know?
Eve Ensler who works with rape victims in the Congo and manages to restore their faith in life and humanity. She also organized One Billion Rising campaign, to stop violence againt women – one in three women on the planet will be raped or beaten in her lifetime.
What’s your most guilty pleasure?
Ah, you see, I don’t think pleasure should be guilty. Guilt – the gift that just keeps on giving! Guilt, or rather gilt should only be on rings. If you’re asking me what I like to do in sneaky moments – bubblebaths, when I should be doing housework. It’s scientifically proven that no woman ever shot her husband while she was having a soak and he was vacuuming.
If a tattoo were to sum you up, what would it be of?
My tattoo would say: “This is why I’m such a good lay. If the sex gets boring, at least I’ve given you something to read”.
If you were a car, what marque would you be?
Once again, I have no idea what this question means. The only thing I know about cars is that men thinks “sex drive” means doing it in the back seat of one – possibly because of that sign on the rear vision mirror which reads: “Objects in this mirror may appear larger than they are.”
Cilla Black presented Surprise, Surprise. Tell us the most surprising thing about you.
Even though I pretend that the only thing I run up are bills, I am actually very fit. I run, jog, swim or cycle every day.
What’s on your mantelpiece?
Well, I’d like to say “My Nobel Prize for Literature” presented to me by George Clooney who then whisked me off to tropical isle to lick the roe of virgin sturgeon from my navel – but actually it’s all the little finger-paintings my kids did when they were young, which are haphazardly but endearingly framed.
Kathy Lette is an Australian born author who lives in London. Her novels have been published in seventeen languages around the world and her first, Puberty Blues, was made into both a film and a television miniseries. She cites her career highlights as once teaching Stephen Fry a word, Salman Rushdie, the limbo and scripting Julian Assange’s cameo in the 500th episode of The Simpsons. Lette’s latest novel The Boy Who Fell to Earth has just been published in paperback by Black Swan.
View Kathy Lette’s official website at: http://www.kathylette.com
Follow her on Twitter at: http://www.twitter.com/kathylette
Buy The Boy Who Fell to Earth at: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Boy-Who-Fell-Earth/dp/0552776823/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1367056571&sr=1-1&keywords=the+boy+who+fell
The Steeple Times asks author, designer and band manager Sasha Reid: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”
The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force?
“Anything is possible”. I love knowing that you can take a little idea and create anything out of it. The possibilities are endless.
“Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?
“Kill people with kindness”.
Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2013?
For me, people being cruel to animals is something I find unacceptable. I hate the fact innocent creatures are being killed. We should respect the animal kingdom and allow them to share our precious planet.
Tony Blair misses being Prime Minister. What do you miss most in your life?
I miss having Christmas with all my family. When I was growing up I was looked after by a nanny. She wasn’t my granny – she was a proper nanny and had looked after my mum and my uncle when they were little before coming to look after my brothers and me. Our Christmas used to be my mum, dad, 2 brothers and me, nanny and my grandparents.
What might you swap all your wealth for?
Happiness. What is the point of being able to have everything if you can’t be happy?
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 hope my money is safe.
What phrase or word do you most loathe?
The word “grand”.
In the UK, some people consider charity to “begin at home”. What’s your view and what causes do you personally support?
I was recently on tour with Kasabian and Jersey Budd who did the Teenage Cancer Trust gig at the Royal Albert Hall. I was inspired to see the good work that the charity does and meet some of the young people who have been helped and hear their stories. I also like to support animal charities.
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 think mobiles are great as long as they are used at the right time and place.
If you could fill a carriage on The Orient Express, who would be your fellow passengers?
I would want my mum and brothers (Charlie and Sam), and of course my mum’s little dog, Honeybear. I would also invite the Kasabian guys: Tom, Sergio, Dib, Kealey, Ian and Tim so that I could have great music.
If you were unfortunate enough to end up on death row, what would be your last meal and where would you eat it?
I hope I would never end up on death row but if I had to choose my last meal it would be risotto, pancakes, chocolate and a banana cupcake from the Chelsea Teapot on the Kings Road. I would want to eat it all on a beautiful beach watching the sunset.
What time is it acceptable to consume the first drink of the day?
Anytime: It’s always evening somewhere in the world.
A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?
A watermelon martini.
Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?
Matthew Steeples has the best parties. They are full of the most interesting and lovely people in London.
Who is the most positive person you know?
My brother Charlie. He is always so calm and always sees the glass half-full .
What’s your most guilty pleasure?
I love watching American television shows. Nashville and Revenge are my favourites at the moment.
If a tattoo were to sum you up, what would it be of?
It would be a phoenix as I love what this mythical bird symbolises. There is going to be a phoenix on the scarves I’m designing.
If you were a car, what marque would you be?
I would be a red Cadillac.
Cilla Black presented Surprise, Surprise. Tell us the most surprising thing about you.
That I am related to General LaSalle who was first General to Napoleon and I can get married in Les Invalides in Paris. I’m sure the James Bond character was based on him. I am also related to Prince Yusupov who murdered Rasputin.
What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?
I have family photographs, candles, a clock that was my granny’s and my Kasabian AAA pass.
Sasha Reid trained to be a teacher before becoming a headmistress of a nursery school. She was then responsible for discovering a Leicester band called Kasabian and worked with them until they were signed to a major label. Currently, Sasha writes children’s stories, manages singer-songwriter Jersey Budd and is designing a range of rock and roll scarves.
Download Sasha Reid’s children’s stories onto your iPad at: http://store.interactivetouchbooks.com/books/sasha+reid+and+amy+withers+riedl
Follow her on Twitter at: http://www.twitter.com/rockchicksasha
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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