Maria Thomas

Studying p/t n MA in Global Cultures @KingsCollegeLon / Assistant Clerk @ The Stationers’ Company

[Maria Thomas @MsGazelle]

Hello all, I’ve started a new instagram account called Chapt3r11. I’m training in Grief Coaching. Please follow or share. I created these reminders for our own self-care.

[Ian McKellen @IanMcKellen]

SIR PATRICK STEWART (1940-2026)

Before everything else, Patrick was defined by being born and bred in Yorkshire, the proud county in the north of England which he loved to the end. You could hear it in his accented voice and in the stern honesty with which he told you what he thought and felt. Yorkshiremen have no truck with half-truths or avoidance of big issues. He wore his heart on his sleeve, which made him a man to rely on, to admire and in my case, love.

We first met as ambitious young actors with the Royal Shakespeare Company half a century ago but we weren’t in the same productions. My first strong memory was a few years later, meeting him in the street in central London when he told me about an offer to take over a leading part in 'Star Trek'. “But Patrick think of your stage career in the UK. Do you really want to risk—getting lost in Hollywood for years and years?”. Well, he took the risk and thank goodness for us all that he did for not just his devoted Trekkies but film and theatre audiences, who marvelled at his using international celebrity to star in a string of cinema successes ('X-Men' of course) and in great classical plays by Shakespeare, Ibsen, Arthur Miller, Peter Shaffer, Pinter and Beckett at Stratford-upon-Avon, in London’s West End and on Broadway.

America was his adopted home, where he met his adored Sunny who has cared for him through sickness and health, through thick and thin. But he never forsook his origins: and the proudest achievement of the most respected and beloved actor of his generation on either side of the Atlantic, was his appointment as Chancellor of Huddersfield University in Yorkshire.

His farewell performance in 'Avengers: Doomsday' is yet to be seen.

Ian McKellen 29 October 2026

Photo: University of Huddersfield

[Maria Thomas @MsGazelle]

Did you know we started a substack? The link is in the bio. Hopefully, there’s a little resonance with everyone. The next post is out Thursday. A challenge for Joss Taylor &
me set by Scott & Shelley #wine

[Maria Thomas @MsGazelle]

Follow my substack with friends who enjoy wine. #wine

https://t.co/8foHG8g7GT

[Maria Thomas @MsGazelle]

How do you see the beauty in the world through grief? How do you continue with knowing they are not there? How do we show up every day? Courage, bravery, one step at a time.
#grief #loss

[Age UK @age_uk]

All of us at Age UK are deeply saddened by the news that Dame Esther Rantzen DBE, who founded our Silver Line Helpline, has died. Esther was a true inspiration who helped support thousands of lonely older people through The Silver Line Helpline💜

[Maria Thomas @MsGazelle]

A new post will drop on Thursday. 🍷
#Winetasting #wine
https://t.co/8foHG8fzRl

[Maria Thomas @MsGazelle]

@stationerscomms @YoungStationers On Mon 28 Sept 26 join us for what will be an engaging panel discussion plus Q&A on ‘Automation’ & what that means in & for businesses, leadership, customer service & more. https://t.co/2WpmqFzUsp

[Maria Thomas @MsGazelle]

Full review out now: https://t.co/X9x3sCGnqq

[Maria Thomas @MsGazelle]

Four friends who love wine start a substack together. Who are we? Joss Taylor Shelley Louise Scott Durston & moi. 🍷Please follow. #Winetasting #wine #vineyard

[Maria Thomas @MsGazelle]

On Sunday 20 Sept - 10am-4.30pm - Open House…free to enter for a historic tour of Stationers’ Hall. #openhousefestival @stationerscomms

[Maria Thomas @MsGazelle]

Open House Festival @stationerscomms is open on Sun 20 Sept from 10am - 4.30pm. Free to attend, bring family & friends. Hear some gems of history in this stunning Grade I listed building. #history #architecture

[Talawa Theatre Co @TalawaTheatreCo]

We’re stepping back on X. Here’s why:

[Maria Thomas @MsGazelle]

What a legend. R.I.P.🕊️

[Dolly Parton @DollyParton]

Global icon and humanitarian, Dolly Parton, known to the world as a beloved singer, songwriter, philanthropist, actress, playwright, and author died peacefully today in Nashville, Tennessee. She was 80 years old.

Dolly is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years Carl Thomas Dean (1942 – 2025), her mother Avie Lee Caroline Owens (1923 – 2003), and father, Robert Lee Parton, Sr. (1921 – 2000).

A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth, and kindness that made us all feel like family. Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and resilience. With a seven-decade career, she inspired multiple generations of artists and fans with her music and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact.

At Dolly’s request, a small, private service will be held for immediate family. Dolly’s fans and friends from around the world are encouraged to pay tribute to Dolly on social media by tagging @DollyParton or by leaving a message at https://t.co/cLu9I7M2wC

In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library at https://t.co/arzrqInqJA

[Maria Thomas @MsGazelle]

Loss, what does it look like? Can one describe before and after? Is there a new language, words, dialogue around grief? The world suddenly looks, feels different. A part of your stability gone never to return. Where is the ground which held you, and carried you?
#griefjourney

[Bruised Sky @BruisedSky]

The Ghost of White Hart Lane @TheMartinMurphy opens TONIGHT in the West End @ubsoho Can't wait to see you there! a few tickets still available for tonight 7PM x 2 performances SUNDAY 02 AUG 🎟️https://t.co/yLFL1wBHza #coys #soho #newwriting #football #westend

[Maria Thomas @MsGazelle]

There’s something magical about @stationerscomms The history, the intimacy, the stewardship.
There are hall tours, hires, friendship, events and much more. #hallhire #historic #cityoflondon

[Maria Thomas @MsGazelle]

Grief…how does one navigate loss. You can’t fit it in a box and store it. You can’t ignore it. You can’t return to normality.

[Zak Williams @zakwilliams]

Happy 75th Dad!

Today I'm remembering your weirdness and your extraordinary capacity to love.

And for the folks out there who'd like to celebrate with me, go do something kind for someone. Make someone laugh. Put a little more good into the world.

Love you forever.

[The Stationers' Company @stationerscomms]

We are delighted to announce the shortlist for the 2026 Innovation Excellence Awards, celebrating outstanding innovation, creativity and business excellence across the communications, content, publishing, packaging, manufacturing and technology sectors. https://t.co/fadBqFwaE9