I think it was more a case of avoiding the bilingual secretarial course she had planned for me. Anyway, after swearing I'd never do another exam again and somehow gaining a degree in French from Leeds, there I was last-minute swotting yet again, only this time on law and local government studies. I was rubbish at typing, still am, and only just got a pass in shorthand which now only the deranged would be able to make head nor tail of. I can't decipher it - that's for sure, contrary to popular belief about my mental state. I think perhaps the fact that I have to have a deadline to get anything done at all in my life, led me to be a journalist.  | | Born in Carlisle, but soon migrated to the East Midlands |
I got my first job with the BBC as a district reporter based in Barrow in Furness, covering the South Lakes. Six months later I was chasing politicians for BBC Radio Nottingham's general election coverage. It was while I was on placement to BBC Midlands Today at Pebble Mill that I was lured to “the other side” (Ed. note: she means Central TV - our beloved ITV rivals!). It was a long lure. I stayed there nearly sixteen years. That Anne Davies and Dominic Heale were there too which probably had something to do with why I didn't want to leave. Now I'm back at the Beeb and they're here…what's going on? Anyway it's great to be back. When I'm not at work I'm usually at home, acting as a United Nations peace keeping force and listening to the “Bicker brothers”, my two sons Patrick 8, and Sean 5, doing what they do best. I've lived in the East Midlands nearly 20 years now, so I guess it's home and who knows I'm probably even a local! Top Ten List (Come back soon to find out ....) 1. Best Song Ever: 2. Best TV Show Ever: 3. Best personal TV moment: 4. Best place in England: 5. Favourite/ worst food: 6. Favourite/ worst drink: 7. Favourite/ worst animal: 8. Favourite name for boy/ girl: 9. Favourite sport/ least favourite sport: 10. Favourite politician/ historical figure: Where I grew up: What I'd love to do if I didn't have to work for a living: | 
