WHAT I AM CALLED: Terry… however I was christened Terence but that forename was only ever used by my parents, and then only when I had misdemeanoured.

 

My age: 70

 

What I do: Volunteer Shop manager of the Lenthall Road Rose Hill Allotment Associations horticultural and seed outlet. I am also involved in various community activities in Rose Hill including the Tenants and Residents Association, Rose Hill Regeneration Partnership, Neighbourhood Action Group and Rose Hill Health Management Committee. I regularly contribute to the Rose Hill News.

 

Where I live: Rose Hill, Oxford

 

Whom I love: My children and six grandchildren and my faithful furry friend Briggsy the dog.

 

Happiest Year: Without a doubt 1965, the year I married my holiday sweetheart Maureen.

 

Darkest moment: 1995, the year Maureen succumbed to cancer.

 

Proudest boast: Qualifying in mechanical engineering science and studying at the Open University for a diploma in French language. Forming my own engineering company and procuring national contracts.

 

Biggest regret: Just one regret but that remains very private. I probably have a few “ second thoughts” moments then quickly forget them!

 

Worst weakness: Cream. On fruit from my allotment; in soup as a swirl; and in coffee to make it palatable.

 

Lesson learnt: No matter how dark life becomes, the sun will always comes around the next day. Always.

 

Dullest job: My first job. I was a trainee company secretary for a grocery chain in Cowley Road, mainly sitting at a desk in an office shared with about 14 clerks. The upside was I went to night school to learn accountancy, which came in handy later in life.

 

Greatest shame: Not being able to strike a golf ball in the direction I wanted it to go. On my first and only occasion I went to the driving range in Botley Road, I struck a ball so hard it went at a right angle and scattered a bucket full of balls. My son suggested I stick to squash and cricket.

 

Lifelong hero: Two actually. First my dad, who fought in the Second World War in North Africa and then Italy. My mum, who raised me under very trying conditions – usually Terence moments – whilst dad was away, which was for about four years.

 

Oldest friend: Peter. He is even older than me. Our friendship began in the infants school when just six years of age – he was seven – and endured through cricket and squash and fine wines and his wife Linda’s great suppers.

 

Widest smile: Watching Briggsy the Dog entertain everyone with his antics, especially penalty shootouts in the living room.

 

Favourite dream: To see Rose Hill and its residents enjoy continuing improvements to its housing, roads, social facilities, policing, bus services and health facilities.