Featured in Harpers (number 65, 26/08/11): Ted Sandbach of Oxford Wine attempting to strangle our beloved Chris Piper and then pretending that it was an attempt to rescue him from choking. Witnesses claim that the other two directors of CPW present at the time did not leap into immediate action but, allegedly, sat and watched with considerable interest. Conspiracy theories abound here in Ottery St Mary! Rest assured, Ted, there’s a long queue of CPW droids ready and waiting to ‘pat’ Chris between the shoulder blades, with a clenched fist (knives are not allowed), the next time that this happens. All of us with current First Aid certificates were specifically taught how to do this so it’s got to be kosher.
In the same issue: a Mandelson-like interview with Peter Jago of Penfolds. What a delightful photo but I am very concerned about that huge jet of flame bursting out of his right ear. Is there a mini-Smaug nestling in his ear canal or perhaps he needs to wind back the % abv on the Grange just a touch?
the countless displays of chocolates and other tempting items at the entrance of the supermarkets over Christmas, it’s hardly surprising that we now feel a little bit like the poor trussed & bound festive turkeys – stuffed and straining at the string. January is for resolutions, not necessarily kept all year, but it’s that month where new gym memberships are highest, where running equipment gets dusted off and I personally polish my swimming goggles for those endless lengths of frontcrawl.