Charlie Gladstone's Home Truths

Everyone, this is Charlie. Why ask him for his Home Truths? Cos I massively admire so many of the projects he’s set up (see here for a sample); his podcast is always brilliant and interesting; and he’s just started Some Good Ideas - a new place for ideas.

1. The song to put a smile on your face…

There Is A Light That Never Goes Out - The Smiths. I will always come back to The Smiths; they were my band. I saw them in three towns on three nights once. In truth, I never listen to them now but this is the song. It’s become a serious pan-generational international anthem. I saw Johnny Marr play it in a vast tent at a festival in Holland last year and it lit the place up; old, young, boys, girls. It’s a wonderful tune and a perfect love song.

2. You can only watch one film for the next three months… What is it?

Local Hero. Love, humour, Scotland and a beautiful soundtrack. The best film ever made.

3. The TV series you want everyone to watch:

Actually I want them to turn off the telly, to be honest. Most of it’s rubbish compared to music or books or conversation. I do love Match of the Day, The Simpsons and Ozark. The Tiger King is strangely compelling, shining a light - as it does - on everything rotten about the world; vanity, greed, ugliness, violence, gossip.

4. The book you most recommend to people:

I read a book most weeks, mainly novels. Recently I loved Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson. It was one of Daunt Books’ recommendations. It’s about a chaotic, funny, rebellious nanny trying to take care of twins that spontaneously combust and it’s packed with truth. 

5. The subject you’ve put off exploring that’s now top of your to-do list 

I love DJing with records. My youngest son (Felix is 19) and I do it together. He is really good and I am lagging, due to lack of practice so I need to get back to that. 

6. The wild card you wish more people knew about… 

Aldous Harding, a musician, should be a huge star. Her most recent album (Designer) is wonderful.

7. We’re allowed dinner parties again… What are you cooking?

Rabbit ragu with spaghetti. I’ll make it with the buggers that dig up our veg (I love to eat rabbit anyway) and a dish with cauliflower, capers, garlic and vinegar. Lots of cheese. Some heavy red wine from Bordeaux. Skinning and cleaning rabbits is actually very easy.

8. Everything’s back open. What’s the first coffee shop, restaurant or pub you’re visiting?

I’ll go to my own pub, The Glynne Arms, to raise a glass to the team there who have converted it into a community shop, butchers, bakery, grocer and off-licence to serve the village during the plague. It’s been a huge hit and they have been amazing. It hasn’t been easy but they turn up for work without fail. 

Medical workers have been astonishing, but so have people in food shops and supermarkets. It cannot be easy. Hats off to them. Maybe a review of the people we value in society is in order; I don’t feel as if the banks have been helpful but these guys have been heroes.

P.S. What you know now, that you wish you knew then…

The last few weeks have been brutal hard work. If I’d have known I’d have had a long holiday in February to get ready. 

C’est fini... Now what?

Read some more Home Truths from family, friends, or Founders. Not sure what’s going on here? Head to Home Truths to find out more.