The Steeple Times

Tag: wit

  • Zach Tinker – What’s on your mantelpiece?

    Zach Tinker – What’s on your mantelpiece?

    A 20-question interview with American actor and star of NBC’s ‘Law & Order True Crime: The Menendez Murders’ Zach Tinker

     

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

    My gut and my heart.

     

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

    “Kill ‘em with kindness.”

     

    Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2017?

    To be frank, I had no idea who Kerry Katona is so I looked her up. I also searched “Kerry Katona 2007,” but couldn’t find anything besides some stuff about her being on drugs and held up at knifepoint: I feel like I’m getting off track here.

     

    I would say bigotry is unacceptable in 2017. It’s a distraction. There is so much going on right now that could end really badly and that’s where our focus should be, not on looking for someone else to blame because of their colour or gender or religion.

     

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

    Only at certain times, but I miss being a little kid: Ignorance is bliss.

     

    What might you swap all your wealth for?

    More wealth. I’m kidding: Probably the ability to fly.

     

    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 probably not the one to ask: I’m 23 and just starting to deal with the state of my own economy. But it seems logical that the world is a better place if more people can participate, when we all feel like we have a stake in the outcome.

     

    What phrase or word do you most loathe?

    “The proof is in the pudding” – I’ve never understood what the hell that means. On a more positive and sort of related note,my favourite word is “goop.”

     

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

    I think: “Charity begins at need” – That seems more relevant, especially with the horrible string of natural disasters that have occurred around the world recently.

     

    From elementary school through college, charity and volunteering was built in to the education curriculum, so that made it easy and I was very involved in with Camp Harmony. It is a well-run programme to support under privileged children from inner cities, the homeless and troubled families. They host summer camps, winter camps, holiday events, do food drives, back to school drives, support mentorships… I volunteered there for five or six years and it’s one of the most incredible and rewarding experiences I’ve ever had. Sadly, I haven’t been very active in that community for the past few years because of my schedule, but to anyone living in Los Angeles, I couldn’t recommend the programme enough.

     

    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?

    If the question is: “What is my view on the appropriate use of cell phones that explode?” I would probably say, never. They are crazy dangerous, plus I heard their network coverage is terrible.

     

    When it comes to regular old mobile phones, I think in general, just don’t be a dick. I know that sounds flip, but most of us know when phone use is not okay: Don’t text and drive; don’t talk on the phone in a movie theatre and don’t FaceTime at a funeral.

     

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

    Michael Jordan, Lincoln, Marlon Brando, Will Smith, Paul McCartney, Frank Sinatra, Eminem, MLK, Louis CK, Dave Chappelle and my mother’s father. He passed away when my mom was seven and I’d like to meet him and say thank you.

     

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

    A bucket of Ben & Jerry’s half-baked half-twisted ice cream, my grandma’s Italian chicken cutlets, a jar of Skippy Peanut Butter, a box of Captain Crunch Berries with 2% milk, a PB&J sandwich on whole wheat, and a slice of Susie Cakes’ red velvet cake for dessert. Oh, and a big bottle of lemon-lime Gatorade to wash it down. I would eat it in prison, presumably, since I’m on death row.

     

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

    I don’t drink regularly, but that’s mostly about fitness. I’m not judging, but first thing after you wake up is probably not the best idea. Otherwise, sometimes a drink is just what the doctor ordered; I get it.

     

    A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?

    Tea, but I’ll need two packs of Stevia in there first.

     

    Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?

    Small ones: I like when gatherings are intimate, where I can have conversations with people and get to know them.

     

    Who is the most positive person you know?

    Probably my step-dad, Ken Karman.

     

    What’s your most guilty pleasure?

    The TV show My Strange Addiction. That show is insane. All those kinds of shows: Intervention, Cops, etc. They’re trash TV, I know, but God are they entertaining to watch.

     

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

    Hmmm… A piece of chocolate candy, maybe: Sweet with a slightly hard exterior and a soft and gooey inside.

     

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

    I’d like to say a Ferrari or Lambo, but I’m probably more like a 2005 Mazda Miata or something.

     

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

    I almost bit my own tongue off as a child and had to have it sewn back on while conscious and awake.

     

    What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?

    There is no actual mantelpiece in my tiny studio apartment, but I do have out on display an award my grandfather received from the NBC television network, a book about Marlon Brando, the graphic novel, Watchmen and a bottle of acne medication (left that out, unintentionally).

     

    Actor Zach Tinker was born in New York in 1994 into a family of directors, writers and producers. He is the first of his family to work in front of the camera and currently appears in the NBC series ‘Law & Order True Crime: The Menendez Murders’ as Craig Cignarelli, a classmate of Erik Menéndez .

     

    Follow Zach Tinker on Twitter at @ZachTinker and on Instagram at @zach_atticus.

     

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVcw6H2MA8E

  • A Bastard of a Basement

    A Bastard of a Basement

    Knightsbridge townhouse for sale for sum 11% lower than it sold for in 2011; it comes with a rather large hole in the garden that has been described as “almost as deep as the Führerbunker”

     

    To the poet and wit Henry Luttrell (1765 – 1861) “eating pâté de foie gras to the sound of trumpets” was his idea of heaven. Now, a very wealthy buyer has the opportunity to acquire what some might consider the very opposite of such with the sale of his former home – complete with a 4-storey hole in its garden – in Knightsbridge.

     

    Empty for many years and the subject of numerous critical articles about its dereliction in such titles as the Mirror and Daily Mail, Grade II listed 31 Brompton Square is on the market for £3 million less than it sold for in 2011. It was previously reportedly owned by the industrialist Lord Tanlaw and was also in the possession of the High Commission of Malaysia at some point.

     

    A Bastard of a Basement – 31 Brompton Square, Knightsbridge, London, SW3 2AE, United Kingdom – For sale through Savills for £25 million ($33.9 million, €28.4 million or درهم125 million) – Formerly owned by now jailed fraudster Achilleas Kallakis and also by Jonathan Hart, Lord Tanlow, the Hon. Michael Astor, Dora and Mary de Beer and Henry Luttrell.
    Fraudster Achilleas Kallakis was undoubtedly the most controversial owner of the building
    A Bastard of a Basement – 31 Brompton Square, Knightsbridge, London, SW3 2AE, United Kingdom – For sale through Savills for £25 million ($33.9 million, €28.4 million or درهم125 million) – Formerly owned by now jailed fraudster Achilleas Kallakis and also by Jonathan Hart, Lord Tanlow, the Hon. Michael Astor, Dora and Mary de Beer and Henry Luttrell.
    Philanthropists Dora and Mary de Beer (pictured with Esmond de Beer) were certainly more civilised residents
    A Bastard of a Basement – 31 Brompton Square, Knightsbridge, London, SW3 2AE, United Kingdom – For sale through Savills for £25 million ($33.9 million, €28.4 million or درهم125 million) – Formerly owned by now jailed fraudster Achilleas Kallakis and also by Jonathan Hart, Lord Tanlow, the Hon. Michael Astor, Dora and Mary de Beer and Henry Luttrell.
    Baron Tanlaw of Tanlawhill reportedly owned the house for a period also

     

    Aside from being home to the philanthropist sisters Dora and Mary de Beer (owners of the house between 1934 and 1981) and the Conservative Party politician the Hon. Michael Astor in addition, most controversially the property was bought by the now jailed businessman Achilleas Kallakis in the mid 2000s.

     

    Kallakis – who in spite of demanding he be called ‘His Excellency’ and ‘The Don’ was actually simply “Britain’s biggest mortgage fraudster” – began work on a scheme to create what he termed a “pleasure palace” at 31 Brompton Square in 2005. He employed contractors to dig four levels down beneath what had been a pretty garden and commenced both authorised and unauthorised works to create what could still ultimately become a 22,000 square foot, 8-floor “trophy home.”

     

    Construction stopped in 2008 after Kallakis’ arrest and in 2011, 31 Brompton Square was sold for £8 million more than sought to a Virgin Islands based company by receivers acting for Barclays Wealth. Said by locals to actually be owned at that time by a Dubai based businessman named Jonathan Hart, further planning schemes were submitted in October 2016 and now agents Savills seek £25 million for the unfinished building.

     

    Of the sale, one near neighbour told The Steeple Times:

     

    “This bastard of a basement has blighted this area of Knightsbridge for far too long.”

     

    “We have feared subsidence might cause the hole to cave in since 2005 and now hope a new owner will rectify the mess left by the conman Kallakis. We simply want to be able to live out our years in peace and would like a nice, quiet family rather than a brash billionaire be the purchasers.”

     

    31 Brompton Square – The Numbers

     

    September 2017 – For sale for £25 million ($33.9 million, €28.4 million or درهم125 million).

     

    June 2016 – Predicted to be worth £50 million ($67.8 million, €56.9 million or درهم249 million) if iceberg extension were to be completed.

     

    March 2011 – Sold for £28 million ($38 million, €31.9 million or درهم139.5 million) after a bidding war on an asking price of £20 million ($27.1 million, €22.7 million or درهم99.6 million).

     

    A Bastard of a Basement – 31 Brompton Square, Knightsbridge, London, SW3 2AE, United Kingdom – For sale through Savills for £25 million ($33.9 million, €28.4 million or درهم125 million) – Formerly owned by now jailed fraudster Achilleas Kallakis and also by Jonathan Hart, Lord Tanlow, the Hon. Michael Astor, Dora and Mary de Beer and Henry Luttrell.
    An aerial view of the giant hole behind 31 Brompton Square
    A Bastard of a Basement – 31 Brompton Square, Knightsbridge, London, SW3 2AE, United Kingdom – For sale through Savills for £25 million ($33.9 million, €28.4 million or درهم125 million) – Formerly owned by now jailed fraudster Achilleas Kallakis and also by Jonathan Hart, Lord Tanlow, the Hon. Michael Astor, Dora and Mary de Beer and Henry Luttrell.
    A closer view of the dormant site
    A Bastard of a Basement – 31 Brompton Square, Knightsbridge, London, SW3 2AE, United Kingdom – For sale through Savills for £25 million ($33.9 million, €28.4 million or درهم125 million) – Formerly owned by now jailed fraudster Achilleas Kallakis and also by Jonathan Hart, Lord Tanlow, the Hon. Michael Astor, Dora and Mary de Beer and Henry Luttrell.
    The front elevation of 31 Brompton Square
    A Bastard of a Basement – 31 Brompton Square, Knightsbridge, London, SW3 2AE, United Kingdom – For sale through Savills for £25 million ($33.9 million, €28.4 million or درهم125 million) – Formerly owned by now jailed fraudster Achilleas Kallakis and also by Jonathan Hart, Lord Tanlow, the Hon. Michael Astor, Dora and Mary de Beer and Henry Luttrell.
    A proposed floor plan for the building
    A Bastard of a Basement – 31 Brompton Square, Knightsbridge, London, SW3 2AE, United Kingdom – For sale through Savills for £25 million ($33.9 million, €28.4 million or درهم125 million) – Formerly owned by now jailed fraudster Achilleas Kallakis and also by Jonathan Hart, Lord Tanlow, the Hon. Michael Astor, Dora and Mary de Beer and Henry Luttrell.
    A CGI image of a proposed design for a reception room within the existing building
    A Bastard of a Basement – 31 Brompton Square, Knightsbridge, London, SW3 2AE, United Kingdom – For sale through Savills for £25 million ($33.9 million, €28.4 million or درهم125 million) – Formerly owned by now jailed fraudster Achilleas Kallakis and also by Jonathan Hart, Lord Tanlow, the Hon. Michael Astor, Dora and Mary de Beer and Henry Luttrell.
    A CGI image of a proposed design for a reception space in the proposed extension of the house
    A Bastard of a Basement – 31 Brompton Square, Knightsbridge, London, SW3 2AE, United Kingdom – For sale through Savills for £25 million ($33.9 million, €28.4 million or درهم125 million) – Formerly owned by now jailed fraudster Achilleas Kallakis and also by Jonathan Hart, Lord Tanlow, the Hon. Michael Astor, Dora and Mary de Beer and Henry Luttrell.
    A CGI image of a proposed design for a reception space backing onto the garden
    A Bastard of a Basement – 31 Brompton Square, Knightsbridge, London, SW3 2AE, United Kingdom – For sale through Savills for £25 million ($33.9 million, €28.4 million or درهم125 million) – Formerly owned by now jailed fraudster Achilleas Kallakis and also by Jonathan Hart, Lord Tanlow, the Hon. Michael Astor, Dora and Mary de Beer and Henry Luttrell.
    A CGI image of a proposed design for a swimming pool within the extension
    A Bastard of a Basement – 31 Brompton Square, Knightsbridge, London, SW3 2AE, United Kingdom – For sale through Savills for £25 million ($33.9 million, €28.4 million or درهم125 million) – Formerly owned by now jailed fraudster Achilleas Kallakis and also by Jonathan Hart, Lord Tanlow, the Hon. Michael Astor, Dora and Mary de Beer and Henry Luttrell.
    A CGI image of the proposed garden
    A Bastard of a Basement – 31 Brompton Square, Knightsbridge, London, SW3 2AE, United Kingdom – For sale through Savills for £25 million ($33.9 million, €28.4 million or درهم125 million) – Formerly owned by now jailed fraudster Achilleas Kallakis and also by Jonathan Hart, Lord Tanlow, the Hon. Michael Astor, Dora and Mary de Beer and Henry Luttrell.
    Another view of the space
    A Bastard of a Basement – 31 Brompton Square, Knightsbridge, London, SW3 2AE, United Kingdom – For sale through Savills for £25 million ($33.9 million, €28.4 million or درهم125 million) – Formerly owned by now jailed fraudster Achilleas Kallakis and also by Jonathan Hart, Lord Tanlow, the Hon. Michael Astor, Dora and Mary de Beer and Henry Luttrell.
    A drawing of the proposed redevelopment
  • Pauline Amos – What’s on your mantelpiece?

    Pauline Amos – What’s on your mantelpiece?

    A 20-question interview with Liverpool born artist Pauline Amos; one of her works is for sale for £1.3 million

     

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

    Myself.

     

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

    “If you hesitate, you’ve lost.”

     

    Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2017?

    Abū Bakr al-Baghdadi.

     

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

    My dad.

     

    What might you swap all your wealth for?

    Ending cruelty to animals and children.

     

    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?

    A disgrace.

     

    What phrase or word do you most loathe?

    Trump.

     

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

    Being charitable is being a good human being. I support Coram children’s charity, Stop Ivory, the RNLI and charities that support war veterans.

     

    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?

    Use if necessary.

     

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

    Shakespeare, Winston Churchill, Stephen Fry, Oscar Wilde, my husband, my dogs, Hunter S. Thompson and Maya Angelou.

     

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

    Caviar. On the outside.

     

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

    Blackwell Rum on porridge for breakfast. Every hour is acceptable.

     

    A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?

    A martini.

     

    Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?

    My own: I choose the guests and the music.

     

    Who is the most positive person you know?

    Myself.

     

    What’s your most guilty pleasure?

    Charbonnel & Walker salt caramel chocolates.

     

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

    An angel.

     

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

    A Bentley Land Rover hybrid.

     

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

    One of my paintings is on sale for £1.3 million.

     

    What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?

    Two silver candlesticks, some invitations and a sign that reads: “Scouse and Proud.”

     

    Born in Liverpool, Pauline Amos is a creative performance painting artist with a unique style of work combining painting, performance and music. Amos has a PhD from Dartington College of Arts and has drawn international acclaim for her provocative, powerful and bold works.

     

    Follow Pauline Amos on Twitter at @paulineamos99 and like her page on Facebook by clicking here.

     

     

  • Sandra Howard – What’s on your mantelpiece?

    Sandra Howard – What’s on your mantelpiece?

    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.

     

    Follow Sandra Howard on Twitter at @howardsandrac and like her page on Facebook at @sandrahoward76.

     

  • Enzina Fuschini – What’s on your mantelpiece?

    Enzina Fuschini – What’s on your mantelpiece?

    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.

     

    What’s on your mantelpiece? The Steeple Times conducts a 20-question interview with London based artist and designer Enzina Fuschini.
    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.

     

    Follow Enzina Fuschini on Twitter at @FuschiniEnzina.

     

  • Ross Barr-Hoyland – What’s on your mantelpiece?

    Ross Barr-Hoyland – What’s on your mantelpiece?

    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.

     

    The Steeple Times’ What’s on your mantelpiece? interview – A 20-question interview with British men’s knitwear designer Ross Barr-Hoyland, founder of the Ross Barr brand.

     

    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.

     

    Follow Ross Bar on Twitter at @RossBarrUK and Instagram at @RossBarrUK.

     

  • Annabel Mullin – What’s on your mantelpiece?

    Annabel Mullin – What’s on your mantelpiece?

    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.

     

    Follow her on Twitter at @annabelmullin and @KCLibDems.

     

  • Louise Rowntree – What’s on your mantelpiece?

    Louise Rowntree – What’s on your mantelpiece?

    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.

     

    Follow her on Twitter at @louise_rowntree.

     

    Photograph by Micki Scupin Rogers.

     

  • Adrien Gaubert – What’s on your mantelpiece?

    Adrien Gaubert – What’s on your mantelpiece?

    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.

     

    myGwork co-founder Adrien Gaubert – What’s on your mantelpiece?

    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.

     

    Follow the Gaubert twins on Instagram at @thegaubertwins

     

  • Jack Turner – What’s on your mantelpiece?

    Jack Turner – What’s on your mantelpiece?

    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’.

     

    Follow him on Twitter at @jackoturner and Instagram at @jaxonturner.