IN PROFILE -

Being a locally owned newspaper, the Inishowen Independent is keen to support and promote local businesses. Our new Business in Profile article running in conjunction with the Buncrana Chamber of Commerce is an occasional series celebrating our local entrepreneurs throughout Inishowen. Chamber of Commerce administrator Rona McLaughlin acknowledges that these are challenging times for business. “Businesses need to keep their profiles raised and keep positive in order to survive. Working in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce can make the difference, ensuring members concerns are put on the agenda and providing support and networking.” Rona can be contacted on 074 9321720. E-mail commerce@buncrana.com, http://www.buncranachamber.com/

IN PROFILE – TERENCE AND DERMOT DOHERTY FROM RESTEX BEDDING

March is national bed month and as you know there is nothing better than snuggling up in your own bed. Not getting a good night sleep affects our mood, our ability to perform and our health and having a good quality comfortable mattress can make all the difference. The Inishowen Independent decided to visit Chamber members Dermot and Terence Doherty from Restex Bedding in Buncrana to find out what they knew about getting a good night sleep.

For nearly sixty years, three generations of the Doherty Family from Buncrana have been involved in the bed-making industry. Paddy Doherty (grandfather) learned the craft from bed maker Fred Hegarty in Bridgend. Having developed the art and skill of good mattress making, Paddy set up his own workshop locally and later went on to buy the Derry Bedding Company.

Paddy’s son Terence has been working in the business for over thirty-five years. “I grew up in the industry and started off hand making the mattresses with my dad,” explained Terence, who is married to Rosemary.

With a few years experience under his belt, Terence decided to set up the well renowned Restex Company making sure that he incorporated his father’s skills and attention to detail. “My father taught me that craftsmanship is very important, quality is everything.” Terence tells us, “I set up the Restex Brand in 1976. I wanted to continue what my father had started. It took time to build the business but I always had a vision of manufacturing and having showroom units of my own.”

Terence has seen a lot of changes in the industry over the years. “In the past, beds were all hand made. Now there is a big investment in modern machinery. This doesn’t affect quality” Terence assures me. “It simply means we can produce high quality beds, of the same exacting standards my father made, at a more competitive and affordable price.”

“We only produce and sell beds for our own shops and don’t wholesale, which means that our beds are exclusive and competitively priced and we can keep a very close eye on quality and customer satisfaction” he continues.

Terence’s son Dermot, entered the business in 1987 after leaving school as early as he could “ I was a very restless pupil at school,” he says. “I would spend my time looking out of the classroom window and couldn’t wait to go and work in the factory with my dad. He started me sweeping floors and made me work my way up by learning every aspect of the business, and it was worth it….. he knew what he was doing. When I became a director in 1992, I was familiar with the business from the roots up.”

Dermot, who is married to Caitriona, has three children, David, Pauric and daughter Órlaith and is a keen racing driver. He has taken part in competitions on major circuits around UK and Ireland. He enjoys giving his son David the benefit of his years of experience and steering him into the world of Kart racing. Dermot puts the same amount of dedication and determination that he puts into his racing, into the bed-making business.

“After 58 years of bed-making, we know our market, we believe in our product and we invest in our staff and machinery.” Dermot tells me. “It is a business I was proud to join.”

As we chat they show me around the Restex workshop where the beds are made. I am very impressed with the well-designed environment, which feels fresh, light and airy. I am also sold on the natural and organic fabrics and materials they use in the manufacturing of their mattresses.

I ask the father and son what motivates them in their work? “My sense of satisfaction has come from building the company up through word of mouth” Terence says after a moment’s pause. “You know, when people buy a bed from us, then send other people into the shop on referral to buy one for themselves. That makes me feel that we are giving our customers the best possible products and service.”

Dermot agrees, “We feel our beds are superior to everyone else’s. Our main aim is to offer not only the best quality mattresses in the North west, but also the best in Ireland. I think we have done that”.

Dermot designs all the mattresses himself. “I decide how the beds are made up and choose what fillings and springs to put in them,” he explains. “We source top quality natural organic materials for the mattress. We use memory foam for some of the padding, which is extremely durable and hardwearing. The covers are all neutral colours with no heavy dyes. All the beds are designed to be breathable as air circulation is important to keep the mattress fresh.”

It is easy to see he is a man who is passionate about his work. Dermot continues, “The springs are oil coated to reduce noise and friction and also increases the mattress life and the hard wearing material covering and padding ensures the springs stay in the mattress where they are supposed too. I don’t want our customers getting a nasty surprise with a spring popping up through the bed.” Dermot shows me the thick material, which covers the mattresses, and I can see what he means.

Dermot’s enthusiasm for his business meant that even on holiday he likes to check out the market. A top store in America inspired their latest range of sumptuous beds. “ I went to a bed shop in Chicago and researched their deepest, most luxurious mattresses. At the time the deepest we did was 11 inches but the shop had mattresses up to 22 inches deep! On my return I invested in machinery to build mattresses up to that depth and more. This has helped us develop a luxurious product that will last for years.”

Terence thinks it is a good idea to change beds every 7 years. “Not because they wear out, but because of hygiene.” He tells us. You can’t put them in a washing machine so it is healthier to replace the bed altogether. As you change so do your mattress needs.”

Dermot agrees, “Every-one is different, comfort is a very personal thing. Some people like a hard mattress, others a soft one. If you have a bad back you could benefit from an orthopaedic mattress.”

As I leave we walk through the show rooms and I admire all the bedroom furniture for sale. There are different products to suit all tastes, styles and pockets.

“We have two state of the art showrooms and a workshop and Restex currently employs 16 staff.” Dermot says with a casual wave of his arm. “I really appreciate our staff and it is great to employ locals. All of the staff members know how high our standards are and some staff have been here a long time. Paul McCarron our production manager has been working with us for 25 years so he knows exactly the standards we work to. His brother Brendan works here too and is in charge of the wood work department.”

We stop so that he can show me a new mattress. It looks pretty luxurious and Dermot insists that I give it a test. It feels a bit like floating on a cloud. I am totally supported with an even distribution so that there is no pressure on shoulders or hips. “This is our latest innovative product called the Hilton Mattress, and you can see it is a top of the range mattress with a sumptuous feel, just right for a good nights sleep.” I close my eyes as the memory foam caresses my contours and grunt in agreement. “It has just gone on display this week in our showrooms and will be available in sizes from single to superking and made to measure if that doesn’t suit” Dermot says enthusiastically.

There is a long moments pause. Reluctantly I open my eyes and get off the mattress. I really could use a new mattress, I think to myself as I leave the show room.

You can visit the new Restex show room via their new website from April 1st. contact 074 93 63999

ANNIVERSARY

FACT: When the club was first opened it had the biggest indoor pitch in Ulster

AILEACH YOUTH CLUB 25 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

The Aileach Youth Club in Burnfoot is celebrating 25 years of offering recreational activities to the young people of the area. The club was officially opened on March 9th 1984, marking the completion of years of hard work by a voluntary management committee. Situated between the Garda barracks and Burnfoot cottages, the youth club is one of the best sporting facilities in the county, and this is thanks to the continuing graft and determination from volunteers, committee members and the support of the local community.

I am meeting with Dennis Donaghey, currently a committee member but who has been involved with the club right from the beginning.

“The Aileach Youth Club started back in 1976. The idea came from Father James Chesney, who was the chaplain at Nazareth House in Fahan at the time.” Dennis begins. “He thought that Burnfoot needed a sports facility of its own as local children had to go to parochial halls in Burt, Fahan and Inch. Even then they couldn’t play outdoor football as there were no full sized pitches.”

At the time of the official opening (the date of March 9th was chosen as a tribute to the late Fr James who had died on that date four years previously), the facilities were being well used by adults as well as children. There was indoor football, Irish music classes, dancing, bowling, keep fit and karate.

“The club was up and running for a few years before it was officially opened as the upstairs was done first, and the downstairs floors, and facilities like the showers, were fitted when the money was available. So it took about 5 years from classes starting until the tape was cut.” Dennis explains.

The first class was a Karate class and Dennis was there. “I was about 21 and we used to train upstairs and when we started we had to throw ourselves about on a concrete floor.”

The club cost £180,000 when it was built and the local community raised all but £40,000 of the money. “We had loads of local fundraising events,” says Dennis. “There were raffles, bingo, sports days to name a few. The original committee members included Brigid and Brian Donaghey, Tom Patton, William McLaughlin, Joe Hegarty and James McLaughlin.” Dennis pauses thinking back. “There were also other members and I apologise if I have left any-one out as every-one involved did a great job with the organising and fundraising. I would like to acknowledge everybody. It was hard going.” Dennis smiles wryly, remembering. “There was a lot of door-knocking and ticket selling.”

Thinking back to the old days reminds Dennis of a story “Father Chesney decided to book some music for the opening of the club and he chose a relatively unheard of band at the time called the Boomtown Rats. By the time the barn dance was to happen, they had had their number one hit in the UK and Ireland and their fans would not fit into the marquee that was ordered to put the show on. They had to cancel.” Dennis looks at me with satisfaction “Fr Chesney could spot a winner and the same goes for the club….”

Speaking of winners the club has produced its fair share of all Ireland champions over the years. The football team won the All Ireland final a few years back. The traditional music classes have produced Irish Champions and the old time and modern dancers have won a few competitions in their time. Not content with being the best in Ireland, some of the club members are going one step further and taking on the world. Denise Donaghey and Dean Barron are heading over to the Ukraine to compete in the karate world championships. Members have also competed in Romania and Italy.

Dennis is teaching karate and he is not the only original committee member to be involved in the club. Brigid Donaghey and Willie McLaughlin still have a lot of contact and input and are both involved in the indoor bowling.

Over 600 people a week use the facilities in the club. There is an after school club, football on the two all weather pitches, indoor hurley and drama with Emma Porter. There is also music, dancing, bowling, karate and judo (which is taught by Manus O’Donnell, a teacher from Tooban National School who also use the facilities for after school activities).

“The club is proud of the fact that it is open to all religions and has a lot of cross border football games,” Dennis continues.

Tribute must surely go to all the volunteers who over the years have worked so hard to provide the club with all its recreational activities for young people and the community.

“We do have a loyal team of volunteers looking after things.” Dennis agrees. “We have come on a lot over the years and we can look back 25 years later and celebrate our achievements.” So what about the next twenty-five years? “There are no plans to expand at the moment.” Dennis admits. “We are fully booked and happy to continue to provide the same high level of training and course. We still have fundraisers for maintenance and equipment. We have even raffled cars,” he smiles.

Next week the Karate Club are hosting training sessions with Bobby Morton, the National Irish Coach and Karate World Champion Gordon Smith.

Protest at Cockhill in Buncrana

Protestors today angry at the council for not widening the Cockhill bridge, opting for a set of traffic lights instead....

Women in Business

International Women’s Day, which falls each year on 8th March, is a major day of global celebration for the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future. It is an official public holiday in many countries, and in some has a status somewhat equivalent to Mother’s Day here, but without the commercial trappings that go with it. With attitudes toward women changing a lot in Ireland over the past twenty years, the Inishowen Independent would like to recognize the achievements of local women who have set up their own businesses and who are an integral part of our local economy.

MacBride Conaghan Solicitors, Moville
Geraldine Conaghan from MacBride Conaghan Solicitors in Moville appreciates that women in business have a lot to offer. “Women are good at business,” she explains. “We like to give people support, we care about our customers and staff and we cooperate with our colleagues, passing on opportunities and getting good support for ourselves.”

With the economic downturn, Geraldine’s practice is seeing new demands from the local business community to provide a debt collection service as well as for advice on how to restructure and survive in these challenging times. “Of course, our services encompass all aspects of the legalities people need to deal with from time to time as well, and we are happy to give advice on all official matters, including family law, wills and probate, conveyancing, criminal and road traffic, personal injury litigation and tax planning.”

Geraldine Conaghan, originally from Ballyshannon, qualified in law in the 1980’s. With little work available in Ireland during this time, Geraldine immigrated to America where she spent ten years in New York putting in long hours and gaining plenty of experience. Ten years later, following the birth of her son, Geraldine returned to Donegal, moving to Newtowncunningham, her husband’s hometown. Geraldine had always wanted to have her own practice and on her return she felt she was returning to a whole different Ireland. She explains, “When I left Ireland, it was very hard to find a job and get paid. You were expected to work for the experience. There were very few role models of women in practice unless it was a family company. Coming back in the nineties, it was much easier to break into practice and there were women out there, running their own practices, working hard and being successful.”

Geraldine bought Seán MacBride’s practice when he was appointed a judge in 1998. “It is a great career and I would encourage young women into the profession.” She says, “You can combine long hours with family commitments.”

You can contact the office on: (074) 9382184


Amanda’s Cots N Tots
Amanda Kelly from Clonmany has been providing childcare services in her local community for the past eleven years. She had always been interested in setting up a crèche and after qualifying and working for a while in Derry, she felt the time was right to branch out on her own.

“At that time Clonmany didn’t have a crèche and being from the town where people knew me and my family, I felt there it would be a good opening.” Amanda has taken a little time out from her young charges to talk to us and she is remembering the challenges of the early days. “The Health Board regulations were just coming into effect at the time, they were finding their feet as was I. After I had established the need for the service, I applied for a government grant to get a new purpose built centre and once again I was working closely with the HSE to get the plans right. It took three or four years to get organised but it was worth it.” Amanda smiles.

At Amanda’s Cots N Tots they provide childcare from newborns upward, as well as an after-school service. With eleven years experience behind her, Amanda has established a high quality childcare service and places importance on working in co-operation and partnership with parents and guardians. “We provide a safe, clean and friendly environment where we can care for and stimulate the children.” Amanda says with pride “We have all sorts of activities to support the individual learning of each child in line with the national curriculum, e.g. when children use playdough and draw, they develop their motor skills, sharing toys they learn social skills.” She continues.

Amanda sees the benefits of networking and is part of the Inishowen Childcare Network and the Donegal County Childcare Committee. “I find these networks very useful for meeting with others and sharing ideas. Childcare providers are often women and we co-operate well and get a lot of support from each other.”

The centre can be contacted on : 074 9378737

Glenview Boarding Kennels
Mary Margaret (Maggie) McDaid from Clonmany set up the Glenview Boarding Kennels seven years ago. She always had dogs when she was growing up and after she got married, she and her husband had dogs of their own. “It was always a problem getting some-one to look after our dogs when we went on holiday so we felt there was an opening to set up kennels here in Clonmany” Mary Margaret tells us. “It is very handy as a woman to be working from home as the business and family commitments can be worked around each other.”

With new dog training classes both group and private, running every night of the week, this works out particularly well as Maggie is able to bring her children to the classes. “Puppies and older dogs really benefit from the training which helps puppies with socialising and older dogs improve anti social behaviour such as jumping up and excessive barking. Having the children there is great for the dogs as part of the training is to become used to children and distractions. Training, particularly for puppies helps dogs become more able to read situations and is also great for getting good habits established and breaking bad ones.” Maggie explains.

Glenview Boarding Kennels are now taking bookings for your pets summer holidays so that you can have complete peace of mind for your dog’s need while you are enjoying your own break. Maggie takes great pride in taking care of every pet she looks after. Dogs have a large safe caged area and a run, warm kennelling, plenty of food and are given daily exercise. Kennelling costs are kept to a minimum and owners can opt for two or more of their dogs to share a kennel space at a reduced rate or for their pets to be housed individually. Top dogs and under dogs are all welcomed and lovingly cared for, whatever their breed, age or gender at Glenview Boarding Kennels. Contact : 074 9376058


THairapy Hairdressers
Nicola Baldrick set up THairapy hairdressers 4 years ago and has been working in the business for the last ten years. She always wanted to set up her own business and felt very encouraged by other local women in Buncrana who were successfully running their own salons. THairapy has recently moved to new premises at the Dunree Shopping Centre near Eurospar in Buncrana. “”This has been a great move for us” says Nicola “It means we have had room for our expansion into the whole beauty therapy area. “

Having recently been awarded five stars, the highest accolade in the industry by the Good Salon Guide, Nicola isn’t content to stay still and rest on her laurels. “It is easy to stay interested and motivated in the hairdressing and beauty industry as it is always changing,” she explains. “There is always something new to learn about and myself and the therapists regularly attend courses to ensure we keep up to date with the latest trends.” Nicola continues. “The organic movement is affecting hairdressing and we are delighted to offer organic hair products such as colours to our clients. Other recent courses have taught us new dermatological techniques in facials and anti-aging treatments.”

Nicola feels that women are the backbone of the hairdressing industry particularly in small towns. Male hairdressers may become better known in the profession but it is women who are the day-to-day faces for customers and Nicola enjoys working in a predominantly female environment.

“I am really happy with my clientele. I have been hairdressing for ten years and have a very loyal customer base which is wonderful” Nicola concludes.

Contact : 074 9361649

The Village Kitchen, Carndonagh
Edel Burns has been working in the catering industry for the past twenty-five years after qualifying as a chef. She started her latest business venture, The Village Kitchen in Carndonagh nearly five years ago. “I always wanted to work for myself and my family were very supportive of me going into business.” Edel says, “In fact this business is a partnership with my brother Shane.”

The Village Kitchen was originally set up as a coffee shop but a few years ago Edel received her first contract for providing lunches for a local school. “After the first contract we got another, and another,” Edel explained. “Then that side of the business just snowballed and in the end we decided to close the coffee shop to concentrate on fulfilling the school contracts.”

Edel and her brother also provide chocolate fountains for weddings and parties. She had seen a chocolate fountain at a wedding on a trip to England and decided to look into the possibility of expanding the business. Now if clients want a chocolate fountain for their wedding or party, they will find that Edel’s prices are the best value about.

“I believe our prices are the best value for money in Ireland for the chocolate fountains –they haven’t changed in the past four years and they were good when we started”, she declares. They certainly provide good service as well, taking the fountain to the wedding, setting it up and staying with it to ensure the guests enjoy the delicious chocolate covered goodies.

Edel feels the world of business is more equal for men and women these days. “The hours can be long, but I really enjoy working for myself, being my own boss and not being told what to do.”

Contact: 086 865 9708

Daisy Fresh Dry Cleaners, Muff
Daisy Fresh Dry Cleaners in Muff are celebrating their first birthday this week. Local entrepreneur Sara Plower is delighted with how the business has been going in its first year and is very appreciative of all the support she has had from the local community.

Sara had been involved in a family business, which had been sold a few years ago, and she decided to take a year out as she had young children. When she decided to go back to work she felt she would rather be her own boss and looked around for a business opportunity.

That opportunity presented itself when premises became vacant on the Main Street in Muff. Sara had already spotted a gap in the market with nowhere locally to take her dry cleaning. It took her a year to set up the business, what with buying the machines, going to England for specialist training, getting her suppliers in place and kitting out the shop.

Daisy Clean Dry Cleaners offer a friendly, efficient service specialising in dresses and formal wear. They also provide other services including, wash and folding, drying, ironing, repairs and alterations. All the work is done on the premises by the staff -Sara brought the specialist trainer over from England to ensure all her employees were fully trained.

Sara loves being in business but admits that for some women with children there has to be a bit of juggling going on. “I’m really lucky though, my husband and mother are very supportive with the childcare,” she admits. “Female entrepreneurs aren’t so unusual these days,” she continues. “There are a lot of women running businesses on the Main Street in Muff. When I started last year they all came in to welcome me to the village and wish me the best of luck.”

Daisy Fresh Dry Cleaners are open Monday to Friday 9am –5.30pm and Saturdays 9.30am – 5pm. Contact 074 9327070

Patricia Barnett, Podiatrist and Chiropodist, Buncrana
Patricia Barnett set up her clinic in Buncrana fifteen years ago, not long after graduating in podiatry from Queens University. She started the business on the Main Street sharing a waiting room with Dr Cully the dentist and then moved to an office in the Lower Main Street. Now she operates from the old family home, Aisling House on the Crescent which she has renovated creating a modern clinic.

“I absolutely love what I do and I don’t even think of it as work” Patricia really means what she says. “It is very satisfying helping people and seeing the relief that they receive.”

Patricia helps her patients with all their foot problems. These can include the removal of corns and callouses, nail problems and verrucas. There are specialist areas of work too and Patricia can perform surgery under anaesthetic (saving a wait for ingrowing toenails), can help with sport related injuries and she also has a lot of patients with diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. “We also get clients who like to get cosmetic work on their toe-nails,” adds Patricia.

As well as the services, Patricia has a full range of products for the feet including creams and appliances such as insoles and arch supports for people with flat feet.

As a woman, Patricia feels that being a podiatrist and chiropodist is a lovely profession. “Having the option to work at home means the family aren’t too far away and although I work long hours, I can be flexible if I need time off for a parents teacher meeting” she tells us. This flexibility is great for Patricia’s clients too as she offers evening appointments as well as house calls. With the increase in demand for her services, she has also set up a satellite practice from Dr Devlin’s surgery on the Mill Brae in Carndonagh on Friday afternoons.

Contact: 074 93 63282

Charity tea fashion show at the Plaza in Buncrana

Charity fashion tea in aid of Multiple Sclerosis in Inishowen. Una Rodden organised the event at the Plaza

5 MINUTES WITH - TRACY HARLEY

Tracy Harley is originally from Chasetown in Staffordshire in England. She moved over to Ireland 16 years ago after living and working in Greece. He sister was working in the Citizens Advice Centre in Derry and asked her to come over for the Trip-to-Trip summer festival (now O2). The festival came and went but Tracy stayed and fell in love with both Ireland and Paul, her husband who runs Castle Silver Jewellers in Ferryquay Street in Derry. She lives in Quigley’s Point with Paul and they have three children, Joseph, Seamus and Eden.

Tracy is in her 2nd year as Chairperson of Childrens Point Childcare Centre. The committee that runs the playgroup consists of parents of children that attend the playgroup, they are elected each year at their A.G.M. The work of the committee is on a voluntary basis and is a great way of meeting other parents and neighbours. The Playgroup recently moved to new premises located within Quigleys Point Community Centre and has a large room for educational activities and a smaller wet room for all messy play. They also have an outdoor play area and use of the large hall. Their move to the new premises was due to the hard work of previous and present committees and the co-operation of the Community Centre Committee. The Playgroup has some places available both am and pm and are taking registrations for Sept 2010! Give them a ring on 086 0802153 for more information


What music are you listening to at the moment?
I tend to listen to the radio more that CD’s now that I have children. The radio just keeps going and you don’t have to think what to put on. BBC Radio 2 can be entertaining with DJ’s like Chris Evans in the afternoon.

What book are you reading?
My mum gets old library books that have been taken off the shelves and gives them to me, so I read whatever I am given. It can be anything from a trashy novel to a reference book. I can hang on to the books which is just as well, as I am really bad at getting library books back on time.

What was your favourite childhood game?
I loved playing Tig, which we used to call Ackie 123. The rules are the same, you hide from people or chase them, and ran back to a post if you were spotted or found someone… Hours of fun.

What section of the newspaper do you turn to first?
I get the Sunday papers and just read the glossy magazines; they don’t require a long attention span, which is ideal when the children are running around.

What would you never throw away?
Childhood toys. I have an old style Jack in a box and Fisher Price radio that I adored. I gave them to my children and they are now a bit worse for wear, but still loved. My old cassette tapes are special to me as well. I have collected compilation tapes from friends over the years and their choices of music reflect past times and memories, I wouldn’t throw those away.

Most embarrassing moment of your life?
We did a fundraiser for the playgroup a while back and someone suggested a charity boxing match. It seemed like a good idea at the time but I had to fight a very determined 6-foot woman. Some people loved it, mainly those that saw us get flattened.

Favourite TV programme?
Larkrise to Candleford is very good and I enjoy the Victorian farm series, it’s a reflection of simpler times. My sons and I also watch Masterchef together.

What job did you want to do when you were a child?
I was influenced by Peter Pan, so was quite happy being a kid. I did take an interest in photography when I was a bit older though.

Where was your best holiday and what made it special?
We have a campervan and we had a lovely driving holiday through France recently. It was like Ireland in a way. We also love our annual trip with friends to Gweedore for an Easter egg hunt.

What do you do for a special treat?
Simple pleasures like going to the beach in Moville with the children and popping into the Cosy Cottage Café for a hot chocolate are special treats for me.

Favourite animal?
I am a big animal lover and have a dog called Rudi, which is short for Rudolph. We found him at Christmas, so it was either Noël or Rudi. Noël would be a bit of a strange name for a dog…..We also have a cat called Fluffy, he gets on great with the dog.

Biggest Challenge?
Setting the playgroup up would be the biggest challenge for me. It was a big learning curve. There was such a lot of negotiating with government bodies for funding and it is a full time job. You have to learn quickly.

What was the best present you ever got?
I got a fabulous digital camera and try to make loads of photo opportunities so I can use it.

What was the last thing you bought just for yourself?
I bought a swimsuit. I was going away on a pampering weekend with some of the girls from the playgroup committee.

What charity do you support?
Since having children I tend to support children based charities, the more local the better.

The world’s most irritating/most useful invention?
The electric juicer I have falls into both categories. It can be extremely useful and beneficial for giving the children some nutrition, but it does take up a lot of cupboard space.

Most memorable Christmas present?
I have always had good presents given to me. One of my most memorable was when a friend bought me my first rabbit. I didn’t think that my parent’s would let me have one so I thought if someone else bought it they would have to let me keep it. It worked, and the rabbit was called Biscuit.

Which period in history would you most like to have lived through?
I liked the Victorian Farm series for its simplicity but also enjoy different things from different era’s. I would take the best from periods in history and make up my own period I think….

What do you have for breakfast?
Porridge, raisins and seeds, usually sesame or sunflower seeds, they give you plenty of energy for the day.

Do you have a favourite cartoon character?
I loved Noddy… My kids love it too. It can be educational as well as sometimes he has a go at teaching the children French… Say it with Noddy…

What was your first paid job?
I worked in a photo processing shop as a sales assistant for two years. I learnt a lot about photography and the art of printing. The owner decided to get rid of us just before our 2 year YTS scheme came to an end, which saved him having to pay us himself.

Best/worst household chore?
My worst is mopping. I like the word, but find doing it very exhausting. My favourite would be ironing. Invest in a good iron and it’s a pleasure. I have a fancy iron where the water is in the base; it’s worth every cent…

What is the best/worst piece of advice you have been given?
A good marriage is like a fire it needs to be tended to regularly or the flame or spark will go out.

Personal philosophy?
Treat people as you would like to be treated yourself.