Blog
Terence Stamp’s big regret, Vanessa Redgrave and his favourite East End mango
Perhaps it was because I had just been to a funeral that afternoon that Song for Marion was particularly poignant for me at its Cambridge preview. I was feeling the loss of a dear friend whose smile always lighted a room, she had a cheerfulness similar to Marion,...
YourEly plan for city’s businesses to unite
Ely may not have Mary Portas, but it is fortunate in having business woman Caroline Bailey in its midst to lead on the challenge of ensuring that local businesses and the city's high street remains vibrant for years to come. This is not the time for businesses to sit...
When will Sir Richard Branson and Prof Stephen Hawking head for space on Virgin Galactic?
Just over a year ago I recorded this video of Sir Richard Branson at Prof Stephen Hawkings' 70th birthday symposium in Cambridge. Branson told me he was planning to enter space on his Virgin Galactic by the end of 2012 with his children, and that Prof Hawking would...
How independent book stores can succeed
With the spotlight firmly on saving further shops in our high street from closure following the demise of HMV, Blockbuster, and, a favourite of mine, Jessop's, there is one independent store in Ely that shines like a beacon and has the support and admiration of its...
How far has cancer screening progressed in the last 60 years?
Abcodia, the award winning biomarker validation company with a focus on cancer screening, highlighted some interesting data in its latest newsletter which I thought I would share here. It published fascinating figures about research growth in cancer screening from...
Eric Schmidt on UK foreign policy, Julian Assange, and what worries him
Connecting the world may be Eric Schmidt's dream, but it is one which could dramatically change the shape of the internet today as we know it, dominated as it is, by western users from affluent countries. I had never considered this before, the impact of AI digitally...
My OXYjet experience
When I worked as a journalist and wrote a weekly health and beauty page, I used to love visiting spas to test them out. In fact, I first started writing a Woman's page when I was 16. I still avidly follow updates about what's new in the beauty industry and enjoy being...
Aung San Suu Kyi and Desert Island Discs
I have been mesmerised by Nobel peace prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi's interview on Desert Island Discs today. After hearing it this morning, I have played the podcast over and over again, contemplating the immense personal sacrifices she made so her war-torn country...
Michael Winner and a Hollywood send off
Unlike Frank Sinatra, Michael Winner couldn't make the comeback he had hoped for after illness forced him to stop writing his Sunday Times column - but, as the Sinatra lyrics say - "I did it my way"!! Michael Winner was certainly his own man, and endlessly...