First Person

Mike Lake

December 2007

Former soldier Mike Lake talks about ageing, football, art, surfing - and the Stones...

What do you enjoy most about your current role?

Everything, including the trials and tribulations but particularly the breadth. I am fortunate to be working in a field that has got its roots in every aspect of society and we are especially addressing the issues of poverty, isolation and neglect that are tragically widespread.

What made you choose this role?

There is a very strong connection between services and charities – you only have to look at the Royal Hospital at Chelsea and in just about every military unit you find people hang gliding across the channel or something similar to raise money for charity. I grew up with a very strong awareness of the important role of charities, which stayed with me when I decided to leave the Army after 32 years. This role was available when I was looking for a second career; a choice I have never regretted because in the ten years I have been here ageing has shot right up the public agenda.

What do you hope to be remembered for in this role?

Raising awareness of ageing in the public consciousness. I have been fortunate enough to have led an organisation that has been at the forefront of that. One major change we have made is to move increasingly into campaigning advocacy that can reach more people’s lives than a pure service delivery programme.

What do you think is the most pressing issue facing charities today?

It’s undoubtedly retaining the reputation and messianic force for change that charities can bring within an environment which is inevitably drawing charities more into the public service delivery area. You only have to look at the Comprehensive Spending Review – Social Services got a 1% increase in funding which is in effect a reduction. I am a great believer that change is for a multiplicity of reasons and you can help shape that change. In the foreseeable future the successful charities will be the ones that adapt and change to the prevalent circumstances. Charities don’t have any right to exist. Charities have got to be relevant.

How do you switch off from the day job?

I get enormous pleasure out of kicking a ball around with my grandson – he’s probably pretending to play for Manchester United and I regret to say so am I. Growing up in Cornwall with parents in the fine arts business left me with a passion for the visual arts. I’m particularly keen on the post impressionists of the Penzance and Newlyn School of Art and do daub in oils a bit myself. Did you know that Ronnie Wood went to art school before he became a Rolling Stone?

Which brings us on to your favourite music…

The Stones, of course, and I’m a huge fan of blues and jazz – particularly Afro-Caribbean jazz. My favourite CD is the Buena Vista Social Club. I adore Diana Krall because she’s a fantastic singer, I love Joni Mitchell, who’s just started coming out of hibernation. The music of the 1960’s was particularly good – there was an extraordinary explosion of talent and I don’t think I’m an old fart in saying so – but then I was a surfer as a kid.

So which radio station do you listen to?

Radio 4. OK that’s awfully boring and typical but I can listen to Radio 4 burbling in the background all day.

Books?

I read all the time, but tend to read rubbish – books that I can just pick up. But I have just finished Alan Bennett’s The Uncommon Reader. It’s a comedy about the Queen and library books and could only be written in this country. It’s sweet gentle fun that leaves you with a nice smile on your face.

Best of times?

This has to be commanding my first proper unit – this was 200 soldiers - when I was a major in the Royal Corps of Transport. I was stationed in Germany and had a really interesting role. The sense of comradeship and team spirit was unforgettable.

And the worst?

I don’t tend to look back and although there are tricky moments all the time, nothing stands out in particular. There was one occasion back in Cornwall when I caught a 20 foot wave, came off rather spectacularly and almost drowned…But I was nineteen years old with all my life ahead of me…we took ridiculous risks.

Michael Lake was talking to Clarissa Dann

Author: Mike Lake

Mike Lake CBE, is director general of Help the Aged. He passionately believes that age is not a discreet box but a proposition we have to face and do something about. He is a former soldier and surfer and relaxes playing football with his grandson

Click here for other articles written by Mike Lake

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