Portfolio
A test of Grammer
He may be able to recognise some of his own neuroses in his most famous character’s fusty mannerisms, but off-screen Kelsey Grammer’s life has been one of near-constant turmoil, heartache and rebellion. And yet, in accepting his faults, opening himself up to faith and... read more »
Ronnie reborn
From his teenage ascent to the top of the snooker world, to his current status as a bona fide legend of the holy baize, Ronnie O’Sullivan’s career has also been marked by a temperamental streak – in and out of the sport. But now,... read more »
Revolutionary road
Ex-rabble rouser and provocateur Russell Brand believes the teaching of only one man can save us from a vacuous existence. Russell brand has gone through many incarnations during the 18 years of his unpredictable and often controversial career. Television presenter, comedian, writer, actor and activist... read more »
The Patagonian Icefield
It’s the time of the year when deliveries arrive daily in our office and we’re wearing new Baffin boots to test their fit. Meticulous preparation for a crossing of the Patagonian Icefield has begun with the arrival of the first maps. Not laminated OS... read more »
Up, up and away
Imagine the scene; it’s early September 2004, a glorious evening over the Tamar Valley, and a deep pink-orange sky is touching highlights of Cornwall to the west, Dartmoor to the east, Plymouth Sound ahead and the rolling fields of north Cornwall behind us. Descending... read more »
Ascending Mount Elbrus
The Caucasus mountains are climbing skyward in a tectonic crumble between the seas. Among them Elbrus, the highest. What do you need to know about Elbrus? It is: • 5,642m tall (18,510ft) • Located in the western Caucasus – within the geographic Europe • One of the seven summits... read more »
Rio Grand
“I’m afraid I’ve got to tell you something very, very sad. Mum’s not going to be able to get out of here. She’s got cancer again, and this time she isn’t going to get better.’’ Telling his children that their mum was going to die... read more »
Stormzy: Grace and Grime
It’s not the musical genre one would immediately associate with declarations of faith, but the history of rap and hip hop is intrinsically linked to religion. At the forefront of the modern movement is grime superstar Stormzy, who is refusing to compromise on his... read more »
‘Collectable in the ’80s’
“All that I know most surely about morality and obligations, I owe to football.” So said French philosopher and sometime goalkeeper, Albert Camus. I understand where he is coming from but I would add on the word “stickers” to the end. It has been my long-held... read more »
Grappling with God
My childhood was always a struggle to survive. My parents divorced when I was six and after this my mum hit the drink hard, she became abusive and unhinged. My dad wasn’t to be seen at all. I would often have to take my... read more »