Jennifer Worth - reminding us of the unsung heroines
By Jayne Warren - 02/07/2007
Reading Call The Midwife left me moved, inspired and eager to talk to this gentle but strong woman who delivered countless babies whilst working as a midwife in the Docklands, East London in the 1950s.
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Baroness Greengross: standing up for older people
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.
Aggers at daggers drawn over TMS
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.
I haven't got where I am today...
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”.
Countdown to comedy
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.”
An interview “from the other side”
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.
“Won't you have a glass of wine?”
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?
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.
Bill Pertwee: "somebody in a white hat"
Bill Pertwee turned 80 this year. But time hasn’t slowed him down. He’s not only just written a second edition of his autobiography, “A Funny Way To Earn A Living”, but he still has plenty to say on modern society, the entertainment industry, 'Dad’s Army' and, well, life in general.
Jayne Warren meets Bill Pertwee, famous for his role as the long-suffering warden in “Dad’s Army”.
Jane Fearnley-Whittingstall: a thoroughly modern grandmother
Her name will inevitably be linked with her more famous son; but Jane Fearnley-Whittingstall is busy establishing a niche for herself as “Britain’s favourite granny” with a best selling book and a successful advice website. She tells all to Mature Times editor Tony Watts.
Jack’s still on song
Tony Watts puts a transAtlantic call in to Jack Jones, who may not have the single hits he once enjoyed, but who's still touring and still playing to big audiences around the world keen to hear his old material - and new albums.