Pandora: Licence to write: Bond girl turns to literature

(PA)

Doing her bit to disprove the myth that all former Bond girls are destined for a life of obscure made-for-television films is one Fiona Fullerton.

We hear that the actress, who played a glamorous KGB spy, Pola Ivanova, in the 1985 outing A View To A Kill, is organising a brand new star-studded literature festival at Kempsford in the Cotswolds.

Fullerton has already persuaded the Countess of Wessex to open the event, which will take place in March. Names being touted to appear include Joanna Trollope, Sandra Howard and the managing director of Condé Nast magazines, Nicholas Coleridge.

The event was originally dreamed up by the town's vicar, the Rev Tim Hastie-Smith, a retired headmaster who suggested the idea to Fullerton at Christmas. As well as her career as an actress, the 53-year-old has authored several books about property and investment.

"It's been fascinating learning about these people and we've got some extraordinary people," she tells us. "It means a lot for the local community. We are not on the tourist trail and all the profits we raise – if there are any – will go to the school where we will be holding the talks."

As for whether or not Fullerton herself will be making a speaking appearance – well, it remains to be seen. "I haven't been asked," she adds.

"I'm not very good at that sort of thing, really!"

Caprice plots next venture in business

"No movie stars, no celebrities, no Brad Pitts," exclaimed Caprice when we ran into her at an opening of Abba World. The glossy model is back on the market following an "amicable" split from her boyfriend. "I want a straight down the line businessman," she insists. Investment bankers, form an orderly queue.

Balls tied up by tycoon's gift

Something to declare, Sir? The Education Secretary, Ed Balls, was the recipient of a surprise gift yesterday – from none other than the private health tycoon John Nash, currently in the news for his £21,000 donation to Andrew Lansley, the Conservative Health spokesman. Still, before anyone gets too worked up about cash-for-influence, it's worth pointing out that the gift was, in this instance, a school tie from London's Pimlico Academy, the object of Nash's sponsorship, and location of a visit from Mr Balls. How kind!

C4 presenter shows she's a different Klass

When Nicky Hambleton-Jones was replaced by the rather more recognisable Myleene Klass as presenter of Channel 4's bolshy makeover show 10 Years Younger, she made no secret of her displeasure, describing the move as a "slap in the face" after her time presenting.

Still, it doesn't seem to have deterred her from using the programme to launch her next venture. What should pop into Pandora's inbox but an invitation to a lesson in how to "Look 10 Years Younger" with Hambleton-Jones's NHJ Style Consultancy Team. Not holding a grudge, then?

Settle it with a handshake?

Look out Lembit Opik. It appears that the Liberal Democrat MP may have new competition in the most vital campaign in Parliament stakes.

We hear that Paul Flynn, the Labour Member for Newport West, is championing the end of the handshake. "They are unnecessary, unhygienic, germ-spreading intrusions," spits an angry Flynn on his blog.

"Some oafs use them to prove the strength of their personalities with bone-crushers. They should be summoned for assault." Ouch!

pandora@independent.co.uk