AT THE BOTTOM OF THE WORLD: LORD FORSYTH REACHES THE SUMMIT
FOLLOWING The Capitalist’s update on Tuesday regarding the progress of the eminent Lord Forsyth, he wrote yesterday with a triumphant missive and picture: He has at last reached the top of Antarctica’s highest mountain and had just enough energy left to take a few snaps of himself brandishing an ice pick atop the summit.
The campaign to ice-climb his way up Mount Vinson is Lord Forsyth’s latest career move after former posts in the cabinet and as deputy chairman of JP Morgan.
He will now begin the arduous trek back to civilisation to continue with his current duties as a director of NBNK Investments, J&J Denholm and as a member of the Lords’ Economic Affairs Committee.
The climb is sponsored, with £337,000 being raised for Marie Curie Cancer and CINI UK, which helps Indian street children.
True to his reputation for going further, faster than others would dare, Lord Forsyth decided to skip a planned day of rest at camp before hauling himself up the last part of the 16,000-foot peak.
“I was apprehensive, as I had not slept well and had not acclimatised fully,” he wrote in his update. “
At one point, I thought I might have to turn back as I fought to breathe in the thin, cold air.”
He seemed to have bundled up better than during his previous climb and all was well as he reached the top and roamed around victoriously – and carefully:
“The summit ridge is ice-covered and very narrow with big drops on either side,” he detailed.
At least we’ll be able to welcome him back to London with a refreshing dose of murky fog and generally chilly temperatures.
SPIFFY DRESSER
GQ magazine today unveils its best-dressed male league table for 2011 with the businessmen’s list topped by Cartier’s Arnaud Bamberger.
It seems traditional is in, since Bamberger is most likely to be seen strutting his stuff at the races or on polo stands with an impeccable pocket handkerchief on his breast.
For special occasions, he breaks out the old navy blazer with gold buttons – and the ensemble is always completed by a floppy topping of silver hair.
But who should play second fiddle to Bamberger on the best-dressed list? None other than newly crowned M&S chief executive Marc Bolland, who claims second place.
Perhaps he will be able to put some oomph into the retailer’s wardrobe after all.
A NEW LEAF
They said rechargable electric cars would never catch on, but one Eurozone leader is doing his damnedest to prove the naysayers wrong.
Portuguese Prime Minister Jose Socrates has become the first world leader to have a fully electric car for official purposes, with the delivery of 10 brand new Nissan Leafs to the country.
But before he goes zipping about Europe on a fund-raising tour, he might have to switch over to a more traditional fuel-guzzling model: the cars rely on a network of charging stations only available in Lisbon.
With nine Portuguese companies having a hand in the development of the car, Socrates is certainly doing his bit for national manufacturing.
Unfortunately it might take a little bit more to convince bond markets.
EAT FOR VICTORY
It seems the way to a royal honour could be through City stomachs. Robyn Jones, who founded City caterer Lusso among other culinary ventures, has been awarded an OBE in the New Years’ Honours list for services rendered.
Lusso does the food for 22 City firms, including Investec, Allianz and financial advisory BDO, with those called by The Capitalist pronouncing the grub “generally pretty good”.
Investec’s hot roast on Thursdays garners particular praise.
Conveniently, among Jones’ other clients are The Garden Cafe at Buckingham Palace and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. So her Majesty won’t have to go far to sample her newly ennobled subject’s produce.