Simon has enjoyed a multi-faceted career, most recently as the author of Enamoured: The True Story of Love Between an Artist and his Muse. With over 25 years in marketing household names from Lloyds Bank to Weetabix, he is most proud of his work on the launch of Tesco’s Every Little Helps campaign and Channel 5 with the Spice Girls. He’s also a fully-fledged tree-surgeon. Simon enjoys retirement in Suffolk with his wife, two daughters, 1962 Massey Fergusson 35X tractor, and a set of Ping golf clubs. Here he talks to Gina Long...
Q: What’s the impact of COVID-19 been on you and how have you adapted?
A: It is fundamentally affecting how we live and work, it’s a gamechanger. We have been lucky because our lives are mostly run digitally, and I did manage to use lockdown 1.0 to write my novella ‘Enamoured’. However, I feel particularly sorry for those who have been severely affected, like the key workers and the young.
Q: What is your connection to East Anglia?
A: I was born in Ipswich. Suffolk is our home.
Q: What is your East Anglian Heaven i.e., what do you love most about East Anglia?
A: The sun setting over the River Deben, the seasons, feeling the world turn. It's good for the soul.
Q: What is your East Anglian Hell i.e., what you hate most about living here?
A: I don’t have one. It might have been the broadband connection, but we have fibre to home now!
Q: What’s your favourite East Anglian landmark?
A: Willis office in Ipswich. Brilliant ambition and design. Could it happen now I wonder?
Q: What’s the best thing that happens in East Anglia every year?
A: Latitude or the Suffolk show, however, it’s got to be the start of the football season.
Q: What is your favourite restaurant?
A:The Maybush in Waldringfield.
Q: What is your specialist Mastermind subject?
A:You’re kidding! I might as well say ‘donkeys’ because I’d never get past the preliminary rounds.
Q: What is always in your fridge?
A: All the main liquid groups. Milk and beer.
Q: What’s your simple philosophy of life?
A: Give to get.
Q: What’s your favourite film?
A: Godfather. Actually, G2 is my fave, but I love them all.
Q: What was your first job?
A: When I was at school, I had a Saturday job as a mobile poster. It was for a toy store. I was required to ride a Penny Farthing around Ipswich town centre, with a large sandwich board dangled from my shoulders. They paid me in old fashioned board games.
Q: What is your most treasured possession?
A: A painting of my mother by Colin Moss in 1954.
Q: Who do you admire most?
A: My wife.
Q: What is your biggest indulgence?
A: Holidays. Because of the time, the expense, and the carbon footprint.
Q: What do you like about yourself most?
A: That’s for other people to decide.
Q: What’s your worst character trait?
A: I'm awful at detail.
Q; Where is your favourite holiday destination?
A: Italy.
Q: Best day of your life?
A: The birth of my daughters.
Q: What’s your favourite breakfast?
A: Eggs Benedict
Q: What’s your favourite tipple?
A: A cold San Miguel at the 19th hole of Woodbridge Golf Club.
Q: What’s your hidden talent?
A: I sing in a band. (not sure if there’s any talent to be honest).
Q: What’s your earliest memory?
A: The birth of my brother.
Q: Tell us something people don’t know about you?
A: I have a collection of Lyles Golden Syrup tins. The most beautiful packaging ever. ‘Out of the strong came forth sweetness’.
Q: What’s the worst thing anyone has ever said to you?
A: Both my parents died of cancer, so I’d say when I was told they only had months left.
Q: Tell us why you live here and nowhere else?
A: I have deep roots here. Whether through family or friends. I’m not leaving.
Q: What do you want to tell our readers about most?
A: Last year in lockdown I discovered some information about a relationship my mother had with one of East Anglia’s finest artists, Colin Moss, who was her Art teacher in 1951. I started writing the story and read it to my family for their feedback. I then got it printed and circulated to a few friends, whose reaction was so positive I decided to publish it. It’s called ‘Enamoured’ and it's available on Amazon. All profits will be donated to the St. Elizabeth Hospice.
If you have a story, email gina@hallfarmfornham.com or follow Twitter: @geewizzgee1 Instagram: @ginalong_geewizz
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