Get to Know Simeon Bowen-Fanstone

Qualifying as a solicitor. We travelled down to London for the admissions ceremony at the Law Society, with my parents, first class. It was great to have them with me for the special day, as they have always supported me, and without their support it would simply not have been possible. My parents enjoyed the complimentary hospitality and having their wine glasses constantly topped up!

I have always liked music, and I learnt to play the clarinet whilst at school. I am now playing the drums in my spare time, as it is a great way to relax and let off some steam! My only regret is not starting to learn earlier, as it is harder than it looks.

That would have to be Sicily. I had always wanted to visit, having been inspired by the television dramatisation of the Inspector Montalbano novels by Andrea Camilleri. I had the opportunity to visit some of the filming locations whilst I was there, and I would recommend visiting the open-air Greek Theatre in Syracuse. Stunning scenery, sandy beaches, fantastic food, and an active volcano for a backdrop – what’s not to love?!

An artist. There’s a reason I got 17% on my school art exam for my interpretation of a kiwi fruit!

My wife says that I pace around the house when taking a telephone call, so everyone else feels agitated and on edge. I am also sports-mad, and will have the laptop, iPad, mobile and tv showing different sporting events at the same time, if they clash, what I call “the multi-screen experience”, but which my wife says fills the house with overwhelming noise.

• I was born in England, but my heart belongs to Wales. My mother is Welsh, and my father grew up in Wales, and they met at university in Aberystwyth. They moved to England as my Dad worked for Rolls-Royce in Crewe.
• My grandfather was the Dean of St David’s Cathedral in West Wales. This meant that they would often play host to members of the Royal Family when they would visit the cathedral. It’s not everyday you have the Queen to lunch! Due to the connection, I was fortunate enough to be able to marry at the cathedral, which made for some pretty photos, especially as it was just after Christmas, so all the decorations were still up.
• I trained for, and passed, the Institute of Advanced Motorists driving test to improve my driving skills and to bring down the cost of insurance. I also qualified as an observer, so that I could coach others for their test. One of my associates went on to become a test-driver for Bentley, so I must have been doing something right!