Profile

"I won a scholarship to an all Girls' County Grammar School when I was ten. Unfortunately due to my father's illness, pneumoconiosis, I had to leave at the age of fifteen. I was heartbroken. The only option at that school, to secure a decent career, was to go down the shorthand, typing, bookkeeping etc. route, which I did in Form 5.

I was first employed as a shorthand typist in a clothing factory. Experience was gained and many lessons learned. I joined the NCB and became one of the first manager's clerk's in the SW Division. Part of my job was to accompany the colliery manager underground once a month, to take notes on the conditions and problems that had been reported.

I continued with my studies at evening classes and obtained secretarial diploma and upgraded associated skills. IT then took over, an exciting time but a time that revolutionised the working of an office I became computer literate which further broadened my horizons.

I thrive on diversification and find people and their jobs fascinating. My challenge to myself is to continue to learn, meet different people and most of all to listen. Everyone has a story to tell."