My Wiltshire Life - Bob Berry

11:14am Thursday 31st May 2007

BOB Berry, 51, has organised Chippenham Folk Festival for nine years. Mr Berry lives with his wife Gill in Potterne, Devizes.

Born in Oxfordshire, He moved to Wiltshire after falling in love with the county while being stationed in Salisbury as a chef, where he took part in a buffet for the Queen. Mr Berry, who was in the forces for 11 years, has been married to Gill for 23 years. Now Mr Berry restores buildings in Wiltshire but says Chippenham Folk Festival takes up most of his time. As well as organising the festival, Mr Berry and his wife run Devizes Folk Club and Wiltshire Folk Arts. He has released a CD with his wife called Bittersweet. The album is a collection of folk music and is available in HMV.

How would your best friend describe you?

A madman! No I think they would say I am passionate about folk music. I hope they would say we are nice people. Perhaps they would say I am a bit grumpy sometimes. Mainly that we are dedicated to what we do.

Where would your recommend for a great evening out and why?

I would say the Chippenham Folk Festival which is one of the best evenings you can have.

Apart from that I would say the Barbican in London as its just a fantastic array of all sorts of things and is a really exciting place.

What do you do for fun?

I cycle. I love cycling it's great for keeping healthy. I also enjoy meeting friends and eating out. My wife and I quite like going to the cinema.

Describe your most vivid dream.

Good gracious! I probably couldn't remember. I don't have a clue.

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

That's a difficult one. I think it would have to be Sting. He has good qualities about the world. Like we should remember we are all human and have the same qualities. We are not here for long and should share everything.

What is your favourite TV show or film and why?

My favourite TV programme has to be Time Team. It's just a great program dealing with history and mystery. It sparks that tinge of interest in everyone that translates into great television. You never know if they might actually find something valuable.

My favourite films are Pirates of the Caribbean and Lord of the Rings. I love Pirates of the Caribbean because it's a great swashbuckling fun. I love Lord of the Rings because it's a good story and it has been with me since I was a boy.

What makes you sad?

People being nasty to each other. There is no need to be. We are all humans. We are all the same. We should all be nice and start working together - that goes for everyone.

Describe your perfect day

Get up at 6am and go for a ten-mile cycle. Get in and spend two to three hours in the garden. Then spend some time with my wife. Then I would go to the Devizes Folk Club. Then get a bottle of wine and some nice food.