Today we talk to Debbie Dance, who is the director of the Oxford Preservation Trust WHAT I'M CALLED: Debbie Dance MY AGE IN YEARS: 54 WHAT I DO: Director, Oxford Preservation Trust WHERE I LIVE: On a village green in South Oxfordshire – my family might say the office.

WHO I LOVE: Oxford – I love the place and the people, the colleges and University buildings, the Covered Market, the Cowley Road; I love the way that town meets country – the views, the meadows, the river, the hidden parts, the smart, the scruffy. I love it all. I suppose with all that on offer, it is not surprising that Oxford Open Doors is such a success. HAPPIEST YEAR: After all the hard work, time and the energy, 2005 has to be the year. It was the time when everything came together at Oxford Castle, and the Queen came to visit. What a great lady, a great day and what a great opportunity.

How many people get to restore such a piece of history in their own town, and then to open it up to the general public to enjoy?

When the kids from Pegasus School, Blackbird Leys, performed their Oxford history play in the castleyard later that year, it was really special. Seeing them using the space as if it was their own was a tear-jerker.

DARKEST MOMENT: I don’t do dark moments, too busy.

PROUDEST BOAST: I do 20 press-ups every day. Not quite up to Michelle Obama’s 25, but I am working on it.

WORST WEAKNESS: Any excuse not to exercise, so perhaps I will never make those 25 press-ups after all.

LESSONS LEARNED: Always keep a sense of the ridiculous in your pocket.

DULLEST JOB: Does giving up alcohol for Lent count – a long 40 days! In fact, 46 days this year which is a cheat, and yes I am counting!

GREATEST SHAME: I am a hopeless friend as I am always doing something, and I have a weakness for PG Wodehouse, first editions and old Oxford prints which are hard on the pocket.

LIFE-LONG HERO: Got to be Sir Michael Sadler – his portrait hangs over the fireplace at work and his ghost goes with me – have even been known to ask him if I’m ‘doing good’!?

Sir Michael was one of the founding fathers of OPT and something of his spirit definitely lives on.

He also had an enviable collection of Oxford Turners which are on show in the Town Hall.

OLDEST FRIEND: It was my bike until my son borrowed it and someone stole it. I haven’t forgiven him yet, if he reads this.

FAVOURITE DREAM: A house by the sea. BIGGEST REGRET: Who isn’t cross not to have Olympic tickets – and all those unsung heroes in sports clubs across the country who don’t either – such a shame.

Still, nothing to be done about, and look forward to the torch coming to town.