1
Favourite item you have ever bought or been given?
Apart from the obvious trinkets and pictures that capture a moment and memory I think it has to be my VW transporter. It just opens up so many opportunities for us as a family. Throw the bikes in, check; camping trip taking everything we own, check; put the kids dinghy inside; check. If you have a van you’ll know, if you drive a comfy, well specced car you’ll think I’m crazy.
2
You’re a bit of a sports fan. Which sporting event in history would you have liked to been at?
The obvious one is the 1966 World Cup Final, it would have been amazing just to experience the atmosphere at a time when football was prioritised by country above club. However having imagined myself at all sort of amazing events (100m final at the Beijing Olympics to name just one), I would have loved to have followed the 2012 Tour de France. Visiting so many amazing places in a beautiful country and topped off by seeing Bradley Wiggins, in yellow, on a very cool yellow bike, lead Mark Cavendish into the Champs Elysees sprint on the final stage.
3
You’re a keen yacht sailor. Where in the world would you sail to right now?
I have been really lucky to visit so many amazing places and I probably wouldn’t be happier than dropping anchor in Studland Bay with the family on board and a glass of Rose (it turns out I’m really manly!). However with time on my side and no commitments I would love to visit Patagonia and just have the opportunity to relax and enjoy being surrounded by somewhere beautiful, wild and natural.
4
Name three dream dream dinner guests?
Barrack Obama, James Corden and Natalie Portman. Barrack because he would be fascinating to talk to and seems one of the few genuine politicians; James Corden because he is funny without edge and we could have a sign song after desert; Natalie Portman…. Err…. Because she’s Natalie Portman!
5
Before I die….
Sorry to be cheesy but the one thing, above all others, is that I would like to see my children, Josie and Mia, to be happy and settled, hopefully with their own families and enjoying what matters in life – being healthy, being outdoors and having someone to share it with. For me selfishly I’d love the opportunity (with my wife Emma) to ski the Haute Route in the winter, ride the Haute Route in the summer and sail across an ocean.
6
Surf or Ski / water or mountains?
This is the impossible question! It’s like asking who’s your favourite child! So the answer is very simple…. Both!
7
What mantra do you live by?
There are two phrases that have always hit a real resonance with me. Both came from true philosophers of the modern age (!), Ian Brown (our former Head of Education) and Ferris Bueller (one of the best films of all time!!). The first is “With enough time you can always make more money, but no amount of money will buy you more time”. The second “Life moves pretty fast, if you don’t stop to look around once in a while you might just miss it”. I couldn’t sum it up any better and truly believe that life is for living.
I am so blessed with the life I get to live and would not change a thing - even for the opportunity to have dinner with Natalie Portman!!!