Well, readers, we have nearly ticked off the second month of the year and, dare we say it, spring appears to be on the horizon.
To celebrate, preemptively, the changing of the seasons, Society Diary sat down for a chat with Deaf Choices UK’s executive director of nearly a decade, Henrietta Ireland.
Read on for tales of Ireland’s extensive extra-curricular activities, her many animal friends, and extreme weather.
Henrietta Ireland, what’s the first thing you do when you wake up?
“Have a very large mug of tea, look out the window at a view of Dartmoor… And think about nothing in particular.”
How many animals do you have and which is your favourite?
“I have seven animals, five horses/ponies, a dog and a cat….How can I choose?? I love them all, however, Ruby has the biggest character in the smallest body. She is a tiny miniature horse who was saved by my daughter and given to me. She is completely useless! She hates children, is incredibly bossy, and always has her nose where it’s not wanted. She is horribly gorgeous!”
If you could swap your surname for another place, which would you pick?
“Henrietta Hawaii… Sounds good, kind of exotic.”
How do you relax after a hard day’s work?
“I do something physical, it may be walking, running, singing, swimming or yoga but it gets me out of my headspace. I’m a compulsive thinker.”
What’s your favourite song to sing?
“A good old Sea Shanty called Nelson’s Blood. With rip-roaring harmonies.”
Is there any weather you won’t run in?
“A hailstorm with an easterly wind.”
You are known to cycle with a dog attached. How challenging is that?
“Not at all. She’s very small and fits into my bicycle pannier or in my rucksack… With her head poking out, of course.”
What’s the worst thing about being a grandparent?
“Grandchildren, unlike my children (were), are not aware of the consequences of pushing the boundaries. So when I make my cross face, they say: ‘Henny, why are you making that funny face?’ That’s when I know that I’ve lost my touch and turn to bribery instead.”
If you had to change careers, what would you do?
“Be an actress… A fabulous one, darling. Maybe there’s still time!”
What’s your TV or film guilty pleasure?
“I don’t watch TV, but I do watch film DVDs. I love Some Like it Hot, with Marilyn Monroe. It’s very funny with some excellent dilemmas around gender and equality!”
