Queen star Roger Taylor wins battle over barn plan

As a seasoned observer of the lives and times of the British elite, I find myself both intrigued and somewhat amused by the current state of affairs within the ranks of our esteemed military. The proposed changes to the cap badges of Army chaplains, while seemingly minor, have sparked quite the controversy.

In my time, I’ve seen many a storm in a teacup, but this one takes the cake. The audacity of removing symbols that have stood for centuries, especially in the face of such valiant and selfless service, is akin to rewriting history itself.

Yet, I must admit, there is a certain charm in the administrators’ attempt to quell the discussion on their Facebook page. “A desire for it to happen in the most appropriate forums,” they say. One can’t help but wonder what those “appropriate forums” might be – perhaps a quiet corner of the battlefield, where these matters of life and death are often decided?

And now, for a bit of levity, let me share a quip that comes to mind: They say you should never discuss religion or politics in polite company. I wonder if our military chaplains have received that memo… perhaps they could use it as a new badge! After all, who doesn’t love a good joke in the heat of battle?

If you possess a grand 18th-century mansion in the Home Counties, a private estate in Cornwall equipped with a helipad, and a staggering £1 billion contract, it may be challenging to find much enthusiasm for gifts during the holiday season.

However, it’s not typical that this was the situation for Roger Taylor, as I can reveal that the 75-year-old drummer from Queen is currently rejoicing in triumph, causing frustration to those residing near his home in Surrey due to the noise levels emanating from there.

Multiple individuals objected vocally to Taylor’s proposal to build a large, L-shaped barn that measures 70ft by 60ft, situated approximately 440 yards from his residence but only about 55 yards from a property located just beyond the 48 acres where Roger and his wife Sarina reside.

One critic pointed out that since the applicant owns a large amount of land, there are many options available to place the barn in a less noticeable and less disruptive spot. Additionally, concerns were raised about the ongoing noise from farming equipment, as adding a barn would likely increase this noise.

However, the primary concern seemed to stem from the perceived aesthetic flaws of the suggested barn, being twice as tall as the current one. One resident expressed disappointment, describing it as a “tall, industrial-looking metal building… that doesn’t fit with the rural and picturesque atmosphere of the region.

However, Taylor isn’t new to such situations. Two years ago, he successfully obtained approval for a pool house equipped with a bar and a whirlpool bath, following a year-long battle. This was an addition to his home that already had six bathrooms, a staff flat, and an eight-car garage.

In other words, the planning officer for his local council has confirmed that the construction of the new barn won’t significantly diminish nearby views, cause excessive shadowing, or have an overwhelming effect on neighboring homes.

Maybe it’s time for Roger to play one of his popular songs, Another One Bites The Dust, for his neighbors as a surprise treat.

Queen star Roger Taylor wins battle over barn plan

Crumbs! Alexa’s risque swan bake

In a candid moment, I, a devoted admirer, recall Alexa Chung confiding that she tends to keep her décolletage under wraps, owing to what she referred to as ‘clavicle concerns’.

Nevertheless, the 41-year-old TV host was unbothered by showcasing a provocative display to her guests during a New Year’s Eve dinner at her London residence. Instead, she presented them with an intricately designed cake in the form of a swan, adorned with two sculpted human female breasts on its backside.

‘Happy boob swan to you,’ Alexa wrote alongside this photo she posted online.

The model, currently in a relationship with actor Tom Sturridge, acknowledges London-based Bulgarian artist Oda Jaune for crafting the exquisite dessert design.

Boarder Sienna’s Post Traumatic Spam Disorder

As a child, Sienna Miller was sent to boarding school at the tender age of eight, after her parents’ separation caused a significant disruption in her life.

The popular actress attended an exclusive girls’ school in Ascot called Heathfield, which has notable alumni such as model Amber Le Bon, socialite Daphne Guinness, and television personality Susannah Constantine. This school paid her a yearly salary of £42,489.

In simpler terms, Sienna, who is 42 years old, said, ‘I was quite small, and it was very young,’ referring to the place. On the surface, it seemed like an ideal location. It was a manor with just 52 girls living there.

Speaking on the Ruthie’s Table 4 podcast, I shared my initial experience: ‘On the first night, I found myself in a room with ten unfamiliar faces, sleeping in metal beds adorned with tweed blankets. The lights were switched off by seven, and let me tell you, it was an overwhelming, truly traumatic event.’

The mother of two adds that the school’s meals were nothing like a lavish lifestyle; instead, they served Spam on Tuesdays, and finishing every morsel was required, leaving no food waste.

I recall placing it in my pockets only to discover remnants of Spam later on, which turned out to be quite delightful.

Daisy’s ambitions for her big day…

Daisy Lowe wants to avoid being labeled a ‘bride-in-peril’ while planning her upcoming nuptials with real estate developer Jordan Saul. [Picture included.]

35-year-old fashion model hasn’t tied the knot with Saul, 30, (her partner and father of their one-year-old daughter), because she is carefully organizing every detail of their wedding day.

She shares with me, “The amount of planning required for just one day is overwhelming and insane, but it’s also thrilling,” she says at a fashion event in London.

The daughter of Pearl Lowe and Gavin Rossdale expresses that she doesn’t require a wedding planner as she already has a clear, detailed mental image of how she wants her special day to unfold, minute by minute.

Daisy, who has dated Matt Smith from The Crown, remarks, ‘I have things well managed.’

Mary’s low-key 70th

Unfortunately, Dame Mary Beard’s 70th birthday will not make historical records due to her current recovery from an illness.

In simpler terms, the classicist, turning 80 on New Year’s Day, shared with me that she won’t be partying this year as she’s still recovering from a cold she caught over Christmas.

Mary managed to find some comfort in enjoying a glass of champagne and making use of the foot spa and massager that her two kids had thoughtfully gifted her. Wishing you a speedy recovery.

Tindall’s firm is in rude health

It’s been reported that Mike Tindall may have caused some embarrassment towards the Royal Family due to his use of the government’s Covid-19 furlough program for one of his employees at his personal business, Kimble Trading. This company serves as a channel for his income earnings.

On the other hand, I’m pleased to disclose that the company is thriving, as evidenced by Tindall’s recent announcement of his most profitable trading year yet. The new financial reports indicate that the firm, established in 2003, has surpassed £1 million in profits for the first time.

In simpler terms, the previous captain of the English rugby team, who is 46 years old, revealed he has approximately £1.6 million in total assets. This includes over half a million pounds (£667,577) in cash and deposits, as well as about £893,947 in anticipated income.

Army removes comments on ‘woke’ badge changes

In just a few days following my announcement that I intended to eliminate the cross from the central emblem of Army chaplains’ caps, and a Star of David for their Jewish counterparts, controversial comments about this proposed change on a military padres’ Facebook page were taken down.

The administrator meows, indicating this isn’t about suppressing conversation, but rather encouraging it to take place in the most fitting venues.

The bravery shown by their predecessors on the battlefield, with an impressive four recipients receiving the Victoria Cross, should serve as a deterrent to any considering withdrawal.

2025-01-03 01:34