Ed Bonham Carter's plans to expand Living in adjoining, inter-connected houses has proved the secret of Helena Bonham Carter's relationship with Tim Burton, the American film director. Now, the actress's brother is building on her success. Mandrake hears that Ed Bonham Carter, pictured with his sister, has bought his next-door neighbour's multi-million-pound house in Barnes, south-west London. The hedge fund boss, who is a friend of David Cameron, upset other potential purchasers by offering more than the asking price. "Apparently, he plans to knock them through to make one huge house," I am told. Not sure that this is quite the sort of behaviour the Government likes, considering the housing shortage, but no doubt the stamp duty will be welcome. TESSA FARMER, the artist known for her works made from insect carcasses and plant roots, has married Matt Welby, a computer engineer. "I had bugs embroidered on my gown and I created a headdress out of insect taxidermy," she tells me at the MS society auction at the Renaissance hotel. It was a lovely day: just weird and wonderful. I wanted insects to be present. They are a big part of my life. For my fascinator, I kept real bugs, but nothing too elaborate - they were quite fresh and smelled bad, to be honest. Being sheriff is an adventure DAVID HEMPLEMAN-ADAMS was the first person to reach the Geographic and Magnetic North and South Poles, as well as climb the highest peaks in all seven continents. Now, he is to take on a challenge closer to home. Mandrake learns that the adventurer is to become the High Sheriff of Wiltshire. He has been nominated to be the Queen's representative in the county in 2016.