Mature Times - Interview archive

Jennifer Worth - reminding us of the unsung heroines

Mon, 02 Jul 2007 12:23:24 +0100

One of the rewards of this job is having the honour and privilege to touch the lives of so many remarkable people. Jennifer Worth, authoress, midwife and latterly musician, is one such shining example. Jayne Warren talks to her about her remarkable new book "Call the Midwife", published this month.

Baroness Greengross: standing up for older people

Mon, 18 Jun 2007 14:21:51 +0100

Sally Greengross has spent the last 30 years championing the lot of older people in society – primarily during her 13 years as Director General of Age Concern. Now she combines her role as one of the most active members of the House of Lords with being a Commissioner for the Commission for Equality and Human Rights (CEHR) – and she’s still fighting their corner. Tony Watts talks to her.

“My culture, my past has gone. Spiritually, physically - everything.”

Wed, 11 Apr 2007 12:38:43 +0100

To mark this year's Mental Health Week, Jayne Warren talks to the UK's most famous agony aunt, Claire Rayner about living with – and surviving - depression

Being Anne Widdecombe

Fri, 02 Mar 2007 14:12:25 +0000

What are the adjectives that spring to mind when you think of Anne Widdecombe? Redoubtable? Yes. Opinionated? Quite possibly. Outspoken? Absolutely. But whether or not you agree with her, at a time when our politicians are increasingly afraid to speak off message, she remains one of the few conviction politicians prepared to speak her mind on issues that really matter to her. Tony Watts went to meet her.

Aggers at daggers drawn over TMS

Fri, 02 Feb 2007 14:58:47 +0000

In the world of radio, you don’t change a winning formula without risking the wrath of the listeners. But the TMS anchorman has revealed to Mature Times his serious concerns that the change of management control from Radio 4 to Radio FiveLive will threaten the character of one of Britain’s favourite institutions.

Rosemary slow down? Slim chance!

Fri, 26 Jan 2007 13:06:10 +0000

It’s a busy time for Rosemary Conley. She is celebrating hitting the big 6-0 with her 28th book, her 28th Video/DVD and a planned expansion of her nationwide network of diet and fitness clubs. Tony Watts meets the doyenne of her industry.

I haven't got where I am today...

Wed, 17 Jan 2007 11:31:44 +0000

David Nobbs is perhaps best known for penning the classic comedy “The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin”. But as well as leaving an indelible mark on British television, writing for a host of big name comedians, he is also an accomplished author. Jayne Warren talks to him about his latest book: “Cupid’s Dart”.

Raymond Blanc: still cooking up a Gallic storm

Mon, 08 Jan 2007 10:12:43 +0000

British cuisine has come a long way since the dark days of the 70s – and few people have done more than Raymond Blanc to make that happen.

Tony Watts meets the man who puts the French in French cuisine.

Countdown to comedy

Sun, 17 Dec 2006 17:34:14 +0000

Comedian and game show host Tom O’Connor reveals some of the secrets of his trade to Tony Watts

Just how does a popular comedian performing dozens of shows each year keep his material fresh? Bootle-born comedian Tom O’Connor has no problems. “My audiences provide me with most of my material,” he says. “I don’t rely so much on gags as true life stories, which are often funnier anyway. And people are always coming up to me with the most incredible tales.”

Dick Francis: the master rides again!

Thu, 07 Dec 2006 15:17:12 +0000

Dick Francis is one of our best loved crime writers. And, after a self-imposed creative break following the death of his wife, has got firmly back in the saddle with "Under Orders".

Tony Watts goes to meet him.

Music, sweet music

Tue, 07 Nov 2006 16:07:14 +0000

Martha Reeves will forever be remembered for her sixties anthem “Dancing in the Streets”.

And as Tony Watts discovers, it’s a song she is still proud to sing, and hold up as one of the tracks that not only defined an era but also played a part in generating inter-racial harmony.

An interview “from the other side”

Mon, 06 Nov 2006 16:49:55 +0000

Gordon Smith is one of the world's most famous mediums, has appeared in several documentaries, and been regularly tested by scientists, historians and parapsychologists - all of whom remain baffled by his unusual abilities.

So how does he explain his unusual gifts - and defend himself against his critics? He talks to Jayne Warren.

David Starkey: his story

Sun, 05 Nov 2006 11:43:59 +0000

David Starkey has moved into new territory, fronting his own, no-holds barred evening discussion programme. But it’s his very personal takes on some of the great figures of history that have made his name.

He talks to Tony Watts.

“Won't you have a glass of wine?”

Wed, 01 Nov 2006 14:46:34 +0000

When older travellers look for expert, independent guidance on where to stay and where to eat, they regularly turn to Alastair Sawday.

Now regarded as one of the doyens of the travel industry, we discover what started Alastair’s wandering bug – and what places still press his buttons. Interview by Jayne Warren.

Is this the way to a new UK career?

Thu, 19 Oct 2006 12:44:22 +0100

His was the biggest single selling single of 2005 – after years of being a neglected act in the UK.

Tony Watts talks to Tony Christie, the man who now finds himself on the cusp of a big new tour and his first UK album for 30 years.