My Wiltshire Life - Averil Beresford

10:13am Thursday 3rd May 2007

AVERIL Beresford, of Dursley Road, Trowbridge, has lived in the county town for 28 years. She is a well-known figure in the community and every year dresses up and takes part in the Pancake Day race and St George's Day celebrations, while also helping out at community fairs and local museums.

Mrs Beresford started her career working for the Ministry of Agriculture as a clerical assistant. After 15 years she left to start work at Singer Sewing Machines. She trained as a nurse at Scarborough Hospital and for a short time she worked in Whitehall, London, as a civil servant. She is married to John and has two grown-up children, Rachel and Martin, and a granddaughter, Bianca.

How would your best friend describe you?

As outgoing and reserved. When I am dressed up I become very confident but without the fancy dress I can sometimes be quite shy.

Where would you recommend for a great day or evening out?

I belong to the French Twinning, German Twinning and Horticultural Society. We meet often and I always enjoy myself, it's a really good day out.

What do you do for fun?

I am a member of a dolls house group. We meet in Frome and Warminster. It's very interesting. We make dolls houses, parts and furniture. There are always a lot of us and I really enjoy it.

Describe your most vivid dream.

I never remember my dreams. Although I am quite glad because I don't suppose they would make a lot of sense.

Who in the public eye do you respect the most and why?

Well I did really admire Mrs Thatcher and the Queen. I really enjoy seeing women involved in running the country. I'm not an avid feminist but I do like to see women in high-powered roles. Unfortunately there aren't enough at the moment.

What is your biggest regret?

My biggest regret is that I don't see my children as often as I would like to. My daughter Rachel with her husband and my granddaughter Bianca live in Australia. My son Martin lives in London.

What is your favourite film or TV show and why?

I really enjoy reality TV shows, although I wouldn't like to be a contestant on one.

My favourite is Castaway, closely followed by Shipwrecked. I really admire them for how brave they must be to give it all up for such programmes.

I enjoy The Deadline with Janet Street Porter. I also really enjoy The Apprentice. It's marvellous.

What makes you sad?

Recently my cat died which was upsetting. His name was Star and he lived until he was 24. There is another cat in the house who I call Soldier. He's more of my husband's cat though, I think cats know when you favour one over another, and they have an instinct for these things.

Describe your perfect day.

On Sunday my husband and I went to see the Crown Jewels in London and that was a perfect day.

It was wonderful, I'd advise anyone to go. The jewels and the big diamond are such startling sights to see.