What was the best birthday present you ever received, and why?
A book on how to do origami when I was 10. It had instructions on some basic models such as birds and animals. Best of all, the book included the actual finished folded models pasted onto a page. So, I could learn by unfolding them and seeing how it was done. I still do origami 50-plus years later, at odd times such as on a plane or in meetings. The latter raises some eyebrows, but it is far better, I think, than the modern habit of looking at emails in meetings, also folding keeps up my concentration on what people are saying.
What is your message?
I am a born optimist; others might think me too positive about the future, but I find that if you look for the positive it is much more likely to turn out that way. So my message would be that if you think something is impossible you will prove yourself right, but if you think it possible you have a chance of making it happen.
If you were going to an island and could take only three things, what would they be and why?
Two things to survive and one to read. A Swiss Army Knife with all the options. A long length of fishing line; not just for fishing (though it would be important to have protein from fish), but also to tie things together or even make a raft. As to a book, I would take the largest collection of poetry that would be allowed.
What's something only your family knows about you?
I bake all my own bread; it is a long time since I bought a loaf. This came in very handy in the lockdown; working from home gave me opportunity to perfect sourdough.
You are a new addition to the crayon box. What colour are you, and why?
A light green, because it reflects calm and steadiness.
