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I S S U E 2 6 9 • M A Y 2 0 1 1

Ed’s letter…

IT WILL BE fifteen years in May since we launched our first literary lunch at Simpson’s-in-the-Strand – the speakers on that historic occasion being three regular Oldie columnists: Valerie Grove, Candida Lycett Green and John Michell (sadly no longer with us).

The formula of these speakers talking for ten minutes after lunch and available for signing and chatting beforehand has not changed – though regrettably the price of the lunch has more than doubled, though remaining excellent value. Now the only regular literary lunch in London, we are celebrating our anniversary with a special champagne reception cum lunch on May 10th (details on page 60).

I hope to see you there.

RICHARD INGRAMS

C O N T E N T S

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12 UP TO A CERTAIN POINT Eve Pearce’s poem about her early years

A PIROUETTE TO ETERNITY Trader Faulkner remembers his dancer mother 22

ABC Primary Figure: 38,540 Subscription rates for 12 issues: UK £37.50; Europe £42; USA £43; Rest of World £52.50

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Cover illustration by: Martin Honeysett

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50 SHADES OF GREY John McEwen on the artist Norman Ackroyd

THE LIGHT FANTASTIC Edward Mirzoeff filming the royals in 1992 32

19 THEY’RE BACK Patrick Mercer warns of the threat from the new generation of Irish terrorists

42 LARRY, IRELAND & ST GEORGE Stanley Price recalls Laurence Olivier filming Henry V in a muddy Irish field

47 I ONCE MET… Russell Twisk’s encounter with the Invisible Man

55 WORLD’S WORST DUMPS Jamie Douglas-Home on Royal Ascot

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See page 60

April Fools! see page 30