“The Steeple Times” quizzes leading philanthropist Gina Miller about what’s on her mantelpiece
The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom.” What’s your guiding force?
Life is short, so don’t live in regret.
“Never regret, never explain, never apologise” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?
The three C’s – compassion, common sense and confidence are far more valuable than three A’s.
Kerry Katona was unacceptable in 2007. Who is unacceptable in 2012?
Human traffickers.
Tony Blair misses being Prime Minister. What do you miss most in your life?
Sleep.
What might you swap all your wealth for?
Knowing my children will be happy.
What phrase or word do you most loathe?
“Honestly, I really mean it”: Implies they are lying the rest of the time.
In the UK, some people consider charity to “begin at home.” What’s your view and what causes do you personally support?
Charity begins at home and should be a fundamental value in all our families and societies. It is about the small actions, consideration and kindnesses we undertake every day, not the big gestures we make once in a while. If we all did this, the ripple effect would be enormous and would heal many of society’s ills.
Have you ever been arrested and if so, for what?
Yes, I was mistakenly identified as a local in Egypt and arrested for being improperly attired.
If you could fill a carriage on The Orient Express, who would be your fellow passengers?
My children, my husband, Oscar Wilde and the archaeologist Howard Carter.
If you were unfortunate enough to end up on death row, what would be your last meal and where would you eat it?
A tin of caviar and a teaspoon; in a garden full of scented roses and wild flowers (maybe I could use the teaspoon to tunnel my way out!).
What time is it acceptable to consume the first drink of the day?
Whatever time you fancy, as it’s always the ‘right time’ somewhere on the globe.
A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?
A martini.
Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?
Those with great drink, great food, great music and lovely people – on a balmy beach. Idyllic.
Who is the most positive person you know?
My daughter who has special needs – she is not socialised or limited by academic thinking. She is a true free thinker with genuine EQ.
What’s your most guilty pleasure?
Caviar.
What was the first bone that you broke?
Knee.
If a tattoo were to sum you up, what would it be of?
Women don’t smoke cigars!
If you were a car, what marquee would you be?
Morgan.
Cilla Black presented “Surprise, Surprise.” Tell us the most surprising thing about you.
I was a free climber before I destroyed my thumbs which are very arthritic – the higher and more testing the better. All started when I was a tomboy and thought I was a superhero. I have climbed on all 6 continents and still think I can fly.
What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?
An invite to a gorgeous girl’s wedding and a sculpture of a lady welded together from car nuts and bolts produced by some supposed lost youths who were engaged in car theft but who are now successful engaged in a mechanic apprenticeship scheme we set up in Redditch.
Gina Miller is a founding partner of SCM Private and also runs the True and Fair campaign. More information can be viewed at http://www.scmprivate.com and http://trueandfaircampaign.com
A truly inspirational lady. I wish I knew her. Gina: You deserve a CBE. I nearly cried when I read this – both with laughter and because of how inspiring you are. I salute you.
Very fortunate to have met , Gina at the launch of The Steeple Times . Charismatic and charming individual with a passion for life .