What are your hobbies and interests?
History, politics, sport, reading newspapers with a good coffee
What is your greatest passion?
Family. But I get most visibly passionate about my job (which is great)
What brings you most joy?
Being in a beautiful place (this summer it was Pembrokeshire beaches, Northumberland hills and Vienna cafes)
If you had three wishes what would they be?
1) That my family would be blessed with good health
2) That my work would continue to be fulfilling (or at least continue – I’m self-employed)
3) That someone somewhere will work out how to persuade us all to pay enough to support vulnerable people, improve our health and protect the environment.
How did you first get involved in the Co-operative Credit Union? Why?
I was one of the first few hundred members. Then in 2001 I won the credit union lottery, but the chair (who I won’t name, but is also the chair now …) said he wouldn’t pay up unless I joined the board. I’ve been involved ever since. I wonder if he was joking?
Why do you think people should become members of the credit union?
Because it’s a convenient and ethical way to borrow and save. It’s another way of keeping life co-operative.
What is your favourite…?
Book – this year Alone in Berlin, but War and Peace has stayed with me for a decade
Author – George (not James) Herbert
Band – just now, The Unthanks, but for all time, perhaps The Smiths
Song – Losing My Religion, REM
Film – The Deer Hunter
What is your favourite holiday destination and why?
I almost never go to the same place twice so that’s hard. I like naturally beautiful, peaceful places, or cities packed with visible history. I’ve been to New York a few times, which is neither of those things but is just electric.
What is the most valuable piece of advice that you’ve received?
‘Do as you would be done by’ always seemed sensible, but then I found out some people don’t think they deserve much – so I think you need to aim a bit higher than that. How much can you give?
