Entrepreneur Rick Cressman, owner of historic Nailcote Hall Country House Hotel loves to entertain.
SelectLiving gives him the chance to choose who he would like to invite to his dinner table for an unforgettable get-together
Capability Brown 1715-1783
Landscape gardener who made a name for himself by drawing on nature to create inspiration designs. He transformed many landscapes across the country including Warwick Castle and the grounds of Stowe School, home to a young Rick.
"I just love what he did and how inspirational he was to so many people," says Rick.
"I would love to ask Capability what he thought of the gardens at Nailcote and what else could be done," adds Rick, who confesses to a keen interest in gardening but prefers to spend spare time on the golf course.
Head of the global business Virgin and selfmade multi millionaire who was a fellow pupil at Stowe School.
Rick says: "Richard was the same age and went to the same school as me. He is an inspirational business leader and a very strong marketing man. I would like to know if he felt the school helped him become what he is today."
The two former pupils have both created successful businesses, although Rick's is on a smaller scale.
"We are both very independent minded and we went to a free-spirited school. It would be interesting to chew the cud with him and find out what he thinks."
Ben Hogan 1912-1997
World-renowned golfer who won the Masters and US Open Championships four times and won the Open title once in his long playing career.
He also played in the Ryder Cup four times including taking on the captain's role. Memorable matches included a headto-head with Charlie Ward, a good friend of Rick's, who has been a regular player at Nailcote Hall.
The 1951 clash between Great Britain and the US made its mark on Charlie, who lost 3 and 2 to the American.
"I would love to have met the player to find out what he thought of the match. Charlie once said Ben was his all time great player. I would love to know what Ben remembered and see what he thought of our course."
Chuck Yeager 1923-1997
The former Second World War fighter pilot who was the first pilot to break the sound barrier in the experimental rocket research plane Bell X-1.
Chuck, officially USAF Brigadier General Charles E Yeager, made the historic flight in 1947, flying at Mach 1.07 - an incredible 650mph at 42,000 feet. In 1953 in the Bell X-1A he flew at more than two and a half times the speed of sound.
"What an incredible achievement and a fascinating life," says Rick.
"It would have been fantastic to sit down and talk to someone who has achieved such an incredible thing. He never made it as an astronaut but I wonder if he yearned to go to the moon. I'm sure he did."
Rick adds: "I'm sure Richard, who has made so many record attempts, would be just as interested to hear what this man has to say."
Jean Harlow 1911-1937
The screen sex symbol of the 1930s was good friends with Rick's grandfather, Norbert Brodine, an Oscar-nominated cinematographer based in Hollywood.
The actress, who lived life to the full on and off the screen, was friends with the family and Rick says: "My grandfather would say she was the most fabulous, fabulous person, who would be there for people when they needed them. Not what you would expect from a star in Hollywood."
Rick adds: "She wasn't just an actress, she was a fabulous human being. That is important."
The actress was a keen supporter of Norbert's work. He worked on a wide range of films and, after her death, his Oscar nominations included Of Mice and Men in 1939 and Frog Men in 1951.
"She would really add the glamour to the table. There has to be a lady and what better person than such a wonderful actress. I could hear about her work and experiences. What a fabulous evening."
RSVP: Rick Cressman, Nailcote Hall, Berkswell, Warwickshire.Telephone: 02476 466174
