Cheers Magazine Interview – September/October 2002

By Jen Evans.

AYME (pronounced “aim”) is a UK-based independent registered charity dedicated to giving help, friendship, support and vital contact to children and young people with Myalgic Encephalopathy (M.E).

Back in March 2002 Jen Evans our celebrity correspondent wrote to over 110 celebrities asking them all to send signed photographs and messages of support to all of us for ME Awareness Week. We had a fantastic response. Well things can take a little longer than expected in the worlds of celebrities and ME so we’re only managing to tell you about them now. As a result we have managed to secure some fantastic celebrity interviews for you, and here is our first: Richard E. Grant.

He was born and raised in Swaziland, in Africa. He went to university in Cape Town, South Africa, to study Drama and moved to London in 1982. He got his big break 5 years later in the film “Withnail & I”. Since then he has appeared in over 50 movies, written 2 books and had many theatre appearances. He is married with one daughter.

After Jen’s letter he wrote back to us with a great message, “AYME High and Go”. I, Jo Brown, caught up with him in July, via email, as he was filming in Africa.

AYME:- You were born in Swaziland but now reside in this country. What made you decide to leave and do you go back often?

REG:- No professional theatre exists out there, and since they only got TV in 1980, it is not possible to earn a living as an actor, but I go on holidays whenever I can.

AYME:- You’re filming in Africa at the moment, is that in Swaziland? What are you working on?

REG:- “Monsieur ‘N”, a French film about Napoleon’s last year on St Helena. I play Sir Hudson Lowe, the English governor suspected of poisoning Napoleon.

AYME:- What is coming out in the near future that we can see you in?

REG:- “Gosford Park” on DVD and video. “Hound of the Baskervilles”, Christmas Day BBC1 and “Napoleon” next March.

AYME:- Which of your many films has meant the most to you and why?

REG:- “Withnail & I” as it was my first film and I have remained great friends with the people who made it.

AYME:- You’ve managed to avoid being typecast as a particular character, is that something you’ve consciously tried to avoid?

REG:- I try to, but inevitably you get cast according to your physical/emotional type. Stallone will have no fear of me edging him aside!

AYME:- What made you want to become an actor?

REG:- Best kind of life possible. You never know what’s coming next or who you will meet or work with. It’s a huge adventure

AYME:- What has been your most interesting piece of fan mail or experience with a fan?

REG:- Discovering that I have real fans, having always thought it only happened to the people I am a fan of.

AYME:- What in your eyes has been your greatest achievement to date?

REG:- Being a father to my daughter Olivia, who is now 13. It is the most profound and rewarding love any human could wish for.

AYME:- Had you heard of AYME or ME before we contacted you and have you had any personal contact of ME?

REG:- Yes. I have two friends who have ME.

AYME:- You sent a wonderful message to all AYMErs, “AYME High and Go”, do you have anything to add to that?

REG:- Never give up. You only get one life. Go for it!

AYME:- What helps you to get through your bad times?

REG:- The love and support of my wife and daughter and my friends.

AYME:- What is your personal philosophy for life?

REG:- Now. Not tomorrow. Not yesterday. NOW.

AYME:- What are your hopes for the future?

REG:- Apart from a cure for the diseases that plague us, an end to wars and other lofty ideals, I plan to direct a film I have written, but not act in it.

All the best
Richard

Richard in “Withnail & I” with Paul McGann.

REG Temple Exclusive Report – 13th September, 2002

By Denise J Hale

Feeling slightly self-conscious I entered Wesley-Barrell’s Witney showroom clutching my Cannon EOS. I explained the reason for my visit to the assistant.
“Oh yes David said you may come in.” Not sure who David is but thanks.

The Richard E Grant chaise longue was on display in the front window of the narrow showroom. I emphasis the narrowest as when photographs are developed it will explain the limited views. As with most things the reality differs from the illusion. I was aware the colours I originally reproduced weren’t correct but I was amazed how far out they were! Whilst the colour’s official name is ‘Marsala,’ I would describe it as a dusty amethyst. The covering had the texture, and appearance, of soft leather, however our eyes, and fingers, deceived us because it’s actually an Italian fabric. Thus it loses that coldness that leather furniture can process. The cushion is covered in rich, emerald-green velvet. Most chaise longues are delicate, curved, feminine pieces, this one is definitely masculine; it has a strong presence and a boxy, square shape. Whilst a traditional chaise is meant for one person, and has a single armrest, this is more like two armchairs pushed together, one having its arm removed and a long cushion replacing the single seats. As an exhibition piece this styling demonstrates the skill of the craftsmen who created it.

Yes I did lie on it, although I didn’t put my feet up (only because I didn’t wish to mark the fabric) it’s very comfortable and a decent length, I’m sure Richard would have no problem stretching out. With the armchair effect there is probably room for a cosy twosome.

The 20m, in the price, refers to the fabric used to cover the chaise. The scrumptious, richly-coloured, paisley printed velvet throw, which compliments it wonderfully, is not included in the price.

Price is on release £2,130 plus 20m of fabric.The throw (pictured in the press release) was designed to compliment the chaise.

Although created as a one-off for the furniture exhibition you can order your own chaise if you wish, and select your preferred fabric. However, as it is an imposing piece, you would have to consider where to place it. I have my spot located ready for that lottery win!

With thanks to all the staff at Wesley-Barrell, who were extremely helpful and answered all my queries with honesty.

Denise J Hale.
13th September, 2002.

Thursday 12th September, 2002

Richard is hosting a second charity clay pigeon shoot at the Holland & Holland Ground in Ruislip, on the edge of London on Thursday the 12th September to raise further bursary funds for the Waterford-Kamhlaba school in Swaziland. Lord Richard Attenborough is also a fellow trustee of the school and should be in attendance.

Last year’s clay pigeon shoot raised £100,000, which translated into one and a half million in the Swaziland currency, and the charity is hoping to raise a similar amount this year. The cost of a team of four is £1000 and includes breakfast, endless shooting on a variety of stands, celebs, champagne reception, three course lunch, goody bag, ‘entertainment’ and an auction.

As before, every penny raised goes to the bursary fund. The costs of staging the shoot are covered by the generous sponsorship of HSBC Bank. guaranteeing that whatever we raise, or get donated, goes to the bursary fund. Richard says he’s like a rottweiler when it comes to this, as so often money donated to charity gets waylaid into paying admin. NOT HERE!

2002

Richard attended an award show in December for “Interior Designer of the Year”, won by Amanda Rose and Andrew Martin, at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

2002

Pierce Brosnan, John Hurt and Ralph Fiennes are among a host of stars to flex their artistic skills to help a London high school gain visual arts college status. Teddington School asked celebrities to contribute their drawings to help raise £50,000 required to make it eligible for a government scheme to improve its art facilities and bring art to neighbouring communities.

The 007 star apparently used time between takes on his new movie Die Another Day to put together a colourful self portrait using felt tip pens while The Elephant Man actor John Hurt sketched a sensuous female form.

Other celebrities participating include Michael Parkinson, Bridget Jones’s Diary actor Colin Firth and Richard E Grant.

One of the first high-profile names to respond was Bend It Like Beckham star Keira Knightley, who until 18 months ago was a pupil at Teddington school. The actress, who is currently filming an £8 million remake of Dr Zhivago in which she plays Lara, drew her offering on a call sheet from the movie.

Professional artists were also among those making a contribution. Controversial wunderkind Damian Hurst, Maggi Hambling, and Elizabeth Blackadder also sent in pieces. The highest valued work to date was received from 80-year-old Royal Academy member Mary Fedden whose distinctive painting was valued by Christie’s at £1,200.

“The response from these high-profile figures who are obviously very busy has been magnificent. It is very encouraging that they both bothered to respond and that they used their imagination and talent to provide something that will benefit children in education,” says Julia Myring, who along with fellow parent Val Clay, came up with the scheme.

All the paintings will be auctioned at the Landmark Arts Centre, Ferry Road, Teddington at 6pm on September 6. If it can raise the initial £50,000 by October 4 the school will receive an additional £125,000 grant which is plans to use towards an “arts bus” to tour local schools and old people’s homes. The school also wants to develop a photography dark room, sculpture garden and graphic design facilities.