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Jonathan's Heroes - People who go the extra mile
This is a highly personal list of some people who, in one way or another, have caught my eye as being special people and, importantly also, extremely good at what they do. This list is in no particular order – they’re all equally great.
Neither I nor Windram Miller & Company SL have any commercially relevant connection with those listed, nor do I, or indeed the company, seek to gain any advantage or influence by including them in my little list. Rather, this list is simply about sharing my personal good fortune in knowing them. And anyway, people who are really good deserve all the positive publicity and applause they can get … well, that’s what I think anyway!
We have sought the permission of everybody mentioned to include them in this list on the company’s website. I hope that, if you have the opportunity to meet them, you will find them as special as I do.
Jonathan Miller
Ken and Ruth Hunt
Ken and Ruth own and run my favourite hotel in the whole world - Combe House Hotel in Devon (England). The hotel itself is simply stunning – an Elizabethan manor house standing in thousands of acres of rolling parkland. You’ll love it. The food is amazing, and Ken’s cellar – and his knowledge of it – to die for. But what pulls it all together into something hugely more than merely a beautiful and efficient place to stay is the hospitality and welcome provided by Ken and Ruth and their enchanting members of staff. You think I’m over-egging the praise? I promise you I’m not. Go and see for yourself. As always, it’s people who make the difference.
Their website is www.thishotel.com
David Berry
Over the years I have known him, David has become a close chum. He is fiendishly multi-talented. He can fly your aircraft for you (anything you care to put into his hands, from an aerobatic biplane, through bizjets to a 747), he can supervise and build your global-sized project for you especially in the leisure field, he has all the practical manual skills you can think of, he will keep your brain fizzing with philosophical discussions on almost any topic, he can captain your personal yacht, and he pours a lethal gin and tonic. And if that weren’t enough, he cares enormously about people. I like him a lot. David, with his partner Lynne, owns and runs ChoiceTL, a business with a unique management and team leadership training offer. The core theme of the course was originally developed by NASA, and it’s about ensuring accuracy and success in any team endeavour. And, guess what? … it’s accurate and successful. You may get to meet David, and even try out his courses. I know you will like him.
The website is www.choicetl.com
Farid Marrouche
Farid is the man! Simply the best sommelier I have ever met. He is knowledgable, welcoming, attentive and all those good things. He knows what you want a second before you work it out for yourself. He can recommend just exactly the right wines to take with your meal, and the spot-on port or liqueur to follow. When Farid is taking care of things, you can just relax and know it will all be perfect. And – note this – he’s not one of those glutinous types, forever lurking somewhere behind your left ear and wringing their hands. When you need Farid he’s there. But when you don’t, he’s not. Such timing! But – of course – that’s not all. He is one of the warmest and most genuine human beings I know. I would trust Farid with my life.
Presently he can be found at the Guinea Grill in Bruton Place (London W1). I don’t want to drown him in unsolicited emails, but you may be able to contact him at farid@marrouche.net
Ian is a professional: professional tax advisor, professional Scotsman (though you can’t tell – he went to Fettes!), and professional whisky expert (his surname may give you a clue). More importantly, he’s simply one of the nicest people I know. He’s a good chum, and I trust him totally and unreservedly in every aspect of life.
I must declare what may be an interest: Ian and I do a lot of professional work together. But that arises out of what I say above, not vice versa.
Ian can be found directing matters in the personal tax group at Smith and Williamson in the City of London. If you ever get to meet him, you will share my view. He can be found on ian.grant@smith.williamson.co.uk
Something extra:
ARCH - Andalucian Rescue Centre for Horses (and donkeys and mules)
I adore animals and, in my book, anyone who gives up their time or other resources to care for abandoned or otherwise abused animals is absolutely a hero. A special case for me is ARCH. It is near my home and was recently formed by a group of volunteers, all of whom have horse management experience.
ARCH has been registered as a Spanish charity and, already, has acquired new inmates, two of whom are featured below. The police authorities in the area are, of course, those who tend to come across abandoned and injured animals, or are called to examples of abuse (and one hears some quite appalling stories). They have the authority to remove such animals and place them in care. They have indicated that ARCH meets their criteria as a place of care.
This is an unashamed punt for support. Quite apart from looking after the animals – tough enough work on its own - merely finding enough money to buy feed and to pay vets’ bills and rent is an unremitting daily slog. Go to www.andalucianhorserescue.com and see what they’re up to. You can also see how you can help, if you are so inclined. Of course the two most welcome forms of support are volunteer work at the Centre (which is right next door to a splendid bar for that cooling San Miguel) and money. Less obvious, but equally welcome, is publicity so that, perhaps, someone else may consider making a donation; one of the simplest ways of achieving that is to forward a copy of this note to people you know. Any amount of money, small or massive, is welcome. The charity is obliged to keep and submit accounts to its regulatory body; nobody gets paid and it’s not allowed to make a profit. All the money is spent on the animals and their welfare.
Dig deep if you can. If you can’t, tell your friend or your neighbour. Thank you very much. You’re a hero.
Archie (named for the charity) is very old giant donkey – about 20 years old - and very lovely. When he arrived at ARCH, his few remaining teeth were in a terrible state and eating was difficult and painful for him. He was destined for the slaughter house. Now his teeth have been fixed and he is able to enjoy his food and his old age. Children love to pet him.
Paddy is a pretty young pony. He had been kicked and his shoulder broken. Vets cost money so nothing was done. It is unlikely he will ever walk properly again. Paddy’s teeth also were too long and his mouth full of ulcers. He was waiting for the next lorry to Italy to be slaughtered for salami. Now he is happy and bossy and has been spared that appalling, waterless, journey to Italy.