Clarissa Dickson Wright

It's possible to live a semi normal life through drinking. Not to be recommended though.

met her once she was an obnoxious woman .

I read it when it first came out and found it fascinating and well written but you do have to scratch your head and raise your eyebrows over why on earth the BBC commissioned her and equally hard drinking (and smoking) Jennifer Paterson. CDW was a recovering alcoholic by that time but I doubt a partnership like theirs would exist today.

At the time I thought them great characters and a refreshing change to Delia et al.

I read it when it first came out too merlot and thoroughly enjoyed it. I wonder if there's anything different in the "new" version?

She looks so unwholesome.

We saw her at a food show and followed her into the hall. Her coat was filthy and her hair unbrushed - I don't think I'd have liked to eat anything she'd cooked.

Kitty, ?

I met her once at a small cookery demonstration/book 'push' at a venison farm. She was not an approachable or particularly pleasant individual whereas Marguerite Patten, who was also there, was the complete opposite - delightful, charming and more than happy to chat. Says it all really