Two’s company but three or more …
By Adrian Gatton
Time Out
26 November 1997
Prostitution may well be the world’s oldest profession, but the escort business continues to evolve. The current craze is for ‘call couples’. After all, why have Toby or Claudia when you can have Toby and Claudia …
E is for Ear Ache
By Adrian Gatton
The Guardian
30 September 1997
Nearly one in 10 people under the age of 26 takes ecstasy according to the latest British Crime Survey. But while health warnings have focused on water intoxication and the risk of death, there’s evidence of a new danger. Hearing specialists are now saying Ecstasy can contribute to the risk of deafness.
While audiologists look on lengthy exposure to loud music as the main factor putting clubbers’ hearing at risk, ravers themselves see it as a vital ingredient for a good night out. Fuelled by Ecstasy, clubbers today dance harder, for longer to louder music than other club-goers. Modern dance clubs play music at truly pulverising volumes …
How to Become a Monk
By Adrian Gatton
The Independent
13 March 1996
Ever fancied taking up the habit? The Carthusian monastery of St Hugh’s Charterhouse, near Cowfold in Sussex, is looking to recruit fresh novices, Completed in 1883 to house 200 monks, today there are only about 20 – plus a cow. With some of the fathers getting on a bit, the monastery needs a new batch of postulants to carry the English Carthusian tradition into the next century.
Despite being the largest monastery in England, the sprawling mass of Charterhouse is cleverly secluded. The soaring spire which protrudes above the tree tops is the only clue as to what lies beyond. On the inside, the building comprises a labyrinth of passages and cloisters, libraries, chapels, winding stairwells and inner courtyards.
In theory, anyone can join the community (one monk was a computer consultant in a former life, on a salary of 45K a year). Applicants should approach in writing and must fill in questionnaires …
Read the rest of the story on the Independent’s website here.
Adrian Gatton 