Sophie...Yes I know Beckenham.Knew people who had a group of bakeries around and about the
area.They did well and employed a number of people for years and they had fun. I remember going to the Manoir...Raymond Blanc's place...we went as a group of 10 and had a good time and chose 3/4 bottles of
wine from the cheaper end of the list. I have eaten on several occassions at the Fat Duck in Bray with Heston's
parents...It was 100 a head for the tasting menu and Stephen brought his own wine from his cellar.
Our holidays in France were almost always in France and we had a wonderful time staying here and there
and trying Michelin starred restaurants. J would have a half bottle of champagne...A BASIC bottle.
I would drink Fizzy water. Not a recovering alcoholic but a sufferer of miagrain.
It is sad to hear about people anwaywhere who can not find work and depend upon benefits.
Not everyone is gifted.
My life in the restaurant buisness has brought me so close to reality.
I have seen so much and met so many people who are or where very rich and very
famouse.
I have seen the tears behind their eyes as they told me about their loneliness or their
confussion or their obsession with vasts amounts of money.
Off to Sandy Lane for a few weeks...but in the same conversation....did you know
that you can go to France from Luton...d'ont go to France it's flat.
Why on earth should you not take tasty rewards from the fruits of your labour?
I still enjoy the feeling of success and knowing that the buisness is ticking over.
But I have no ambition to buy a dress or handbag which costs 6.000 POUNDS
which is made or partly made from sweat shops in India by 10 year olds.
Being able to develope a buisness and to operate it correctly is a true gift.
I would always admire ambition and success.
EnterprIse and determination. Not needing to be important.
But I believe in moderation...understanding and appreciating what you
have and savouring every moment.
I am findfing this ...here in the countryside.
I conclude.