The head of MI5 between 2002 and 2007 was once nearly thrown out of a pub after being mistaken for a prostitute whilst training to be a spy. In December 2013, Manningham-Buller guest presented Radio 4’s Today programme and interviewed an the actress who has played her fictional counterpart, Dame Judi Dench. Northampton born and the daughter of Viscount Dilhorne, the surname of this expert intelligence analyst’s husband has only ever been revealed as “David”. Spooky.
Two stories to keep beside you
Dame Elaine Kellett-Bowman DBE (1923 – 2014)
At one point both an MP and an MEP at the same time, this former Conservative member for Lancaster (1970 – 1997) was known for her “trill” voice and once described as sounding like a “squawking parrot”. A strict Methodist, Kellett-Bowman was a campaigner for the return of the death penalty and against moral laxity […]
The Rt. Hon. The Lord Ashdown GCMG, CH, KBE, PC (better known as Paddy Ashdown)
Fern Briton described him as: “The greatest Prime Minister this country never had” in December 2015 and though he’ll be forever remembered for the unfortunate moniker “Paddy Pantsdown”, Lord Ashdown truly ought to be lauded for his courageous attempts to save lives during the 1991 – 2001 Balkans conflict.
Readers have their say
1 comment
It is such a shame that James Bond 007 with a license to kill is fictional, modern day spies are useless and restraint by the European Union red tape. Even Pussy Galore seemed more authentic and effective and she was not mistaken for a prostitute despite her vulgar suggestive name.