My day: This differs from day to day depending on what is in the civic diary. Sometimes at the weekend if I have time I visit Marmalade in Northgate Street for breakfast. This is a real treat. Day to day I may be at the opening of a shop, joining a party to celebrate a 100th birthday, attending a citizenship ceremony at the town hall, entertaining in the Lord Mayor’s Parlour or enjoying a formal dinner.
I had a wonderful time recently at Car Fest North. I have made friends with a monitor lizard at the Denbigh Show and found the ceremony to lay up the colours of the Mercian regiment at Chester Cathedral very moving.
Dress: I wear the Lord Mayoral Robes and always the Lord Mayoral Chain.
What is the favourite part of your job? Meeting so many and varied people. Learning about organisations and supporting my charity Adoption Matters Northwest.
What would be your dream job if you weren't doing what you do now? I’d be retired and living on a desert island! No that would bore me silly. I have no idea – it really depends what comes along.
How do you relax when you are not working? Family, walking, gym, cooking, reading, looking after my hens.
What is your favourite film?Now Voyager (1942) starring Bette Davis and Paul Henreid.
What is your favourite book? Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice .
What is your favourite song? Guns N’Roses: Sweet Child of Mine .
If a film was made of your life, who would you like to play you? Katherine Hepburn if she was still around.
Have you had your 15 minutes of fame? I think so in many ways. I love walking and completing a sponsored walk gives me immense pleasure. Recently joined in the Walk on Wales, Enid’s March and just before I became Lord Mayor I completed a walk from the Dead Sea to Petra raising funds for Prostate Cancer Research. I am lucky enough to have supportive friends and family so they are fame enough for me.
FACT FILE
Born: Hornchurch, Essex. Yes I am an Essex girl but I never danced round my handbag.
Education: Palmers Endowed School for Girls, Grays, Essex, then Ellesmere Port Grammar School for Boys. There was no sixth form in the girls’ school.
Family life: Wonderful daughter, Rachel Walker, who is my Lady Mayoress and two amazing granddaughters, Blythe, 14 and Zu Zu, 12. They are all, along with my son-in-law Max, a huge part of my life.
