What is your role at WDSEO?
I have very recently joined the team as the SEO Administrator. Currently, I am concentrating on auditing/updating listings for Clients, in order to help their businesses to have a greater presence online and reach more prospective customers/clients. There is much more to the role, which I will gradually be taking on during the coming weeks/months.
What did you do, prior to joining the team at WDSEO?
I have held various roles over the past 34 years, including PA/Secretary to the Manager of the Devon & Cornwall branch of a large construction company; working behind the scenes at the Theatre Royal – chaperoning for productions such as ‘The King and I’ and ‘An Inspector Calls’ amongst others; I was a keyworker in 2 different pre-schools whilst my children were at Primary School. I was a housewife and mother by choice for 15yrs. Most recently, I worked for 14yrs in a Secondary Education Academy, where I held 4 different roles – the past 2 years spent teaching Literacy and English Language/Literature in addition to monitoring, recording, analysing and reporting on assessment data.
What was your very first job?
I worked as a Saturday Girl on the fruit and vegetable stand at ‘Presto Supermarket’ in Plymouth. I earned £13.50 for the day – £5 of which I was made to give to my parents and £1.50 to my brother! I still have a scar from chopping off the end of my fore-finger, when cutting a very tough melon!
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I love spending time with my children and grandchildren. I do a lot of walking (with my fiancé) – mostly coastal as I love the sound of the sea. We spend a lot of time on Cornwall beaches, and love camping – especially in Polzeath and Perranporth. I am a very keen cook, which is useful as I am permanently on a diet! I also love the theatre (musicals are my go-to) and can often be found at live music events/concerts. Most recently, I have had a paddleboard lesson and was bought a board of my own as a present – so watch this space! If you spot a beached whale… 😊
What do you see as your greatest achievements in life?
My children, without a doubt. I have a 28yr-old son and a 26yr-old daughter. They are both hard-working, sensible and successful – both were home-owners by the age of 20. They earn more than I do (in professional roles), have bigger houses and better cars than mine. A job well done! I now have the additional delight of grandchildren, too!
Tell us some unusual things about you, that not everyone knows about.
I have 3 kidneys! I have not ventured out of the house in 35yrs without makeup on – I just can’t do it to the world! I performed a quick change – undressing James Crossley (Hunter from the Gladiators) on a Boxing Day afternoon – it was a tough gig, but someone had to do it!
What was the first concert you ever attended?
‘Eternal’ at Westpoint in Exeter, when Louise was still a part of the group. Wow – I am so old!
What are your 4 top musicals?
Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera, Moulin Rouge and Chicago.
Have you ever met any celebrities?
I worked with ‘Dick and Dom’ on a show called ‘Hoopla.’ I drank prosecco, chatted and shared a hospitality suite in the Apollo, Victoria Theatre with Gary Barlow, when I watched ‘Wicked.’ I have also worked alongside Britt Ekland, Brian Conley, Syd Little and James Crossley, amongst others, when chaperoning my daughter and others on-stage over the years. We bumped into Gok Wan in Oxford St, and had a photo taken, too.
What are your pet hates?
Having my photo taken – my children say if I even went missing, they wouldn’t have a picture to give to the police. Incorrect spelling and grammar. Also ‘eggs’ because they are just evil and eggy!
If you could pick 4 dream dinner-party guests, who would they be and why?
Dominic Skinner, to discuss make-up tips. Gok Wan, to dress me to impress. Nancy Fuller, so we could swap recipes and Colin Firth – because he would like me…just the way I am!
Lastly…Quickfire questions:
Summer or Winter? Definitely Summer.
Devon beaches or Cornwall beaches? Cornwall every time.
Heels or flats? Silly question – heels of course!
Cakes or a pasty? Get that steak, potato and swede heaven into my belly.