4 (sounds like death). In some parts of Southern Italy
13 is considered lucky. Aussie cricketers fear being
on 87 runs but my book shows it’s actually luckier
than 84, 85, 86 and 88. Go figure.
Okay, our number’s up – we can’t talk about them
anymore! Let’s discuss you. You’re a bit of a
philanthropist. Which causes are you the most
passionate about?
I’m a director of Redkite a charity that gives financial
assistance to the families of children and young
people with cancer; I’m an ambassador for the Fred
Hollows Foundation which cures blindness for
hundreds of thousands of people a year in Australia
and worldwide and a few other causes. If done
properly, volunteering time to a charity rewards you
with far more than you’ve actually given to the good
cause.
Can you tell us about your passion for
crosswords?
Cryptic crosswords only – I haven’t done a “quick” in
years. Wresting with words and the bizarre recesses
of the mind of the compiler is a great way to spend
some time. Putting that last letter into the last clues in
a David Astle monster or Times Cryptic Crossword is
one of life’s all too rare joys.
Do you think the current debate about climate
change is based on informed reason and evidence?
What are your thoughts on climate change sceptic
Christopher Monckton?
One side of the debate (the overwhelming majority) is
so based. The other side, Lord Monckton et al is a
combination of misinformation and from many