Whatever Next? Quotes

“During one stay on the island in the early eighties, Sheikh Yamani, minister for oil in the Saudi Arabian government, arrived unexpectedly on the Nabila, a private yacht he had chartered. We watched the arrival of the enormous boat with interest and wondered if whoever was on board would want to come ashore. A message was sent over and we received a reply to the effect that Sheikh Yamani did not want to disembark and that the yacht would just be mooring for a while and move on. So Colin said, “Okay, fine with us.” What we didn’t realise was that the sheikh expected to be implored with letters and messages to change his mind. Our failure to do so obviously bemused him and even, dare I say it, left him a little put out. Shortly afterwards another message arrived. The sheikh had now decided that, if Lord Glenconner was available, he might like a little trip around the island.”
― Anne Glenconner, Whatever Next: Lessons from an Unexpected Life

“The children’s birthday parties were such fun. We would book Smarty Arty, who was the children’s entertainer of the day. He had a miniature gold coach that he would bring to parties and the birthday girl or boy was allowed to choose one friend, and only one, to go in the coach with them. It was then pulled around by a lady in a very unsuitable tight spangly outfit who took the part of the horse. She drew the coach around the garden and everyone clapped. Of course, it was clever of Smarty Arty only to allow two of the children on the coach, no matter how much the others begged. It made them all desperate for their turn, and the likelihood of him being booked for their parties went up accordingly. Smarty Arty also, very wisely, made sure there was sherry for the nannies, and later, as he got more successful, he suggested champagne, and they loved him even more. They could sit around, drinking and gossiping, while the children were entranced by the golden coach.”
― Anne Glenconner, Whatever Next: Lessons from an Unexpected Life

“We had to put others first, but not to the extent of becoming doormats in our dealings with the world. It was important to stand up for oneself when necessary. Otherwise her message was simple. Never complain. Life isn’t fair. You will have to do things you won’t want to do, so just get on with it. Putting a brave face on things was all we could do.”
― Anne Glenconner, Whatever Next: Lessons from an Unexpected Life

“Benjamin Britten was a conscientious objector, while my grandfather was a soldier and the son and father of soldiers, but that didn’t seem to bother him at all, such was his respect for Britten’s talent. Their relationship was an example of how friendship can transcend what might look like an impossible divide.”
― Anne Glenconner, Whatever Next: Lessons from an Unexpected Life

“Our individuality was not considered important, our conformity was everything and behaviour was considered much more important than feelings.”
― Anne Glenconner, Whatever Next: Lessons from an Unexpected Life

“diets, like the cabbage-soup diet, which means no one can come anywhere near you. Then, quite recently, I found I was getting indigestion if I ate too much in the evening, so I decided to give up supper. I eat breakfast—usually toast and Marmite or perhaps some porridge—and lunch, which is a good, solid cooked meal, with some fruit. I don’t eat again until the next day. I’ve lost over a stone without even trying”
― Anne Glenconner, Whatever Next: Lessons from an Unexpected Life