» Celebcity with Jo Brooks
Liz Hurley and sporting stars pay tribute to troops at Goodwood, and Tony Hawk wows The Level
Celebcity goes to Goodwood
Last Tuesday I attended one of the highlights of the British Summer sporting calender – Glorious Goodwood. I was a guest of ex-Sun editor and top PR man Stuart Higgins. Stuart (who knows absolutely everyone) was hosting a table in the aptly named Sussex Suites overlooking the stunning Sussex countryside course, which was hosted overall by ex-England rugby captain Lawrence Dallaglio – the cause of the day being the charity Tickets for Troops.
The room was dotted with sporting legends including Lawrence and another ex-rugby star, Matt Dawson. But the real stars of the room were the current and former serving armed forces who chatted to us all about their time in the war in Afghanistan – all very humbling. Put it this way, their silverwear completely outshone the bling on show in the Richmond Enclosure.
I chatted to Christina Schmid (pictured with Liz Hurley), widow of Staff Sergeant Olaf Schmid, the bomb disposal expert who was killed during duty in Afghanistan. Sergeant Schmid had successfully disposed 64 live bombs before his untimely death. I must say she was incredibly inspirational.
I sat next to news guy and Mr Fiona Phillips, Martin Frizzell, who now presents a slot from London for the Australian Channel 7. He was in for a long night as he had to stay up until 1am for his live appearance. On my left hand side was Christopher Millard, Director of Communications for the Royal Opera House. As I know absolutely nothing about Opera, Chris quickly set me straight on Wagner’s Ring! Also on our table was a Labour Party political advisor, a 19 Management Executive and head of PR for Aviva.
Goodwood always draws some big names to its 20 race days and the opening day didn’t disappoint – the biggest name, though, had to be the very glamorous Liz Hurley. Also mingling with the masses was Aussie cricket legend Shane Warne. I spotted BBC sport presenter Clare Balding having a sneaky fag in Lord March’s private stand – she looked like she was having a day off and waved down at Channel 4 racing betting expert John McCririck, who was as flamboyant as ever, puffing away on the biggest cigar you have ever seen between live takes.
As I sneaked out early to avoid the traffic I left alongside the owner of Goodwood, Lord March – his car was parked literally right in front of the owners and trainers’ entrance (well, I guess being in charge must have some perks). He was carrying a battered brown briefcase as he slinked into his huge 7 series BMW. What was in the case LM? Winnings!!!!
Hen-Pecked Preston
Celebrity Tweet of the week has to be from Samuel Preston – it read, ‘Please come to Lakota bar only one turntable works and I am scared of the hen dos x’. Absolutely hilarious thought of poor Preston cowering behind the decks being surrounded by drunken hens! We are still all holding our breath to see if Preston and ex-wife Chantelle will make an appearance in the last Big Brother.
Go on you know you want to….
Lucky Lucy!
Viewers of new show 101 Ways To Leave A Gameshow will have noticed local girl Lucy Diton scoop up the winning prize of £10,000. The 20-year-old Brighton beautician kept her cool as, one by one, losing contestants were ejected from the Steve Jones-hosted show in the most crazy and outrageous ways possible. Well done, Lucy!
Spotted!
Famous skateboarder Tony Hawk, chatting to his crew outside MyHotel in Jubilee Street. Tony was in town to show his boarding skills in the spectacular finale to his European tour alongside rockers Maximo Park. Tickets for the event quickly sold out but he nipped down to the Level afterwards to show off his skills for free!
