Opinions: Did your granny give you any good advice?

LILY SAVAGE, drag queen: My granny, Erica von Savage, was a compulsive liar: she told us she was an international spy but in reality she worked as a chambermaid on the Isle of Man. The only piece of advice I took off her was: 'God will protect us, but to make sure carry a brick in your handbag.'

QUENTIN CRISP, actor: I only met one of my grandmothers once, when I was about five. I was presented to this lady in a black dress sitting in a chair and my mother said: 'Say 'Good morning grandmother'.' I said it and then I was allowed to go away. Even if I had been given advice I doubt I would have taken it. Advice in England is a warning. In America it is encouragement. That's why I live in America.

MARJE PROOPS, agony aunt: My granny taught me to play poker when I was eight. She was a wicked old bird but she looked like an angel. She gave out sound wisdom about gentlemen poker-players too. My own grandchildren tell me all about their sex problems. I never give advice, though.

ANDREW LOGAN, sculptor: I remember my granny sitting in a crochet shawl glued to the boxing on the television. The only advice she gave me was to sit up straight and behave.

LIZ DAWN, Vera Duckworth in Coronation Street: 'People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.' I've always thought that was very good advice. CHRISTINA DODWELL, explorer: My granny used to tell me: 'If you don't try it, you'll never know if you like it.' Her words came back to me when I was sharing bowls of maggots with the local people in New Guinea.

LIZZIE SPIVEY, film production manager: My husband wanted me to move from the Cotswolds - where I was surrounded by family and friends - to Cheshire. My grandmother said: 'You don't want to be going up there, do you?' I realised I didn't, and now I'm happily divorced.

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