| Clare begun her writing career at the Reading Chronicle, before going into broadcasting. She was a controversial columnist for the Coventry Evening Telegraph, and has written for the Daily Telegraph, The Times and 'Real' and 'Chat' Magazines. She currently contributes to the 'Door' magazine, which is distributed throughout Oxfordshire and Berkshire. She has also acted as writing consultant to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, supporting their website. |
The Telegraph (2002)
ESCAPE STRESS – RENT AN IGLOO
‘During the 80’s, city whizzkids relaxed by spraying champagne around expensive wine bars, jetting off to luxurious palm-fringed resorts for benders, and they frequently hit the casinos in Monte Carlo. But these days, high fliers on a desperate quest for a holiday beyond the reach of mobiles, fax machines and modems – and, in exchange, they are prepared to give up the most basic home comforts. Pen Hadow, an explorer who runs an adventure travel company – and organises Arctic tours – has noticed that, increasingly, his clients are hard-working professionals who want something more than a tan when they take a break from the day job. …..Cynics might way that yuppies who take trips to such far-flung corners of the world, are merely replacing the pub, wine bar or golf club with new (albeit healthier) ways of coping with old pressures’.
The Times (2003)
CAN NEW TECHNOLOGY HOOK THE PERFECT PARTNER FOR YOU?
‘Divorced at 36, I ricocheted about for two years wondering if one movie, a pint in his local pub and a tussle on the sofa meant the beginnings of a serious relationship. Not so. It meant that he did not have a sense of romance, and I had no self-respect. As my confidence grew, I realised that I did not have to tolerate insensitivity or boorishness. This meant that 70 percent of my suitors were out on their ear. Being back on the ‘market’ seemed more like ‘Jurassic Park’ than a 21st century playground’.
Fear. God’s love is supposed to cast it out – but it has a habit of gnawing at the gut, and obsessing the mind. There are many kinds of terror. The unseen attacker lurking in the undergrowth or alley-way, ready to pounce, is one scenario that can play on the imagination. …..Sometimes a terror of the ‘other’ or the unfamiliar wreaks havoc with my fantasy life. I become paralysed; scared of the adolescents who appear loud and proud on my street, because I am in my 40’s and they are unfathomable teenagers; in other word they remind me of my own mortality…..As I continue to learn something of God’s regard for me, the dark secrets I hold lose something of their power and I can begin to find relief. Isn’t that what so many of us desire?’ |
