My Secret Life

I drive/ride … A white Prius, take taxis in London occasionally more often the Underground, less often the buses, my bike much less often, sadly

If I have time to myself … I wander round the garden pulling up unwanted plants, lie on the grass and gaze at the sky when I am feeling really drained.

You wouldn’t know it but I am good at … Strategizing

You may not know it but I’m very bad at … Reining in my enthusiasm

The person I’m closest to is … My husband, who has shown me what human kindness really means

Comfort reading … At the moment Slightly Foxed, Allotment Gardening, Carol Klein’s Grow Your Own Garden, Anna Pavord’s Growing Food

Comfort eating … Fresh mango, an apple cut into slices, honeydew melon, fresh peas in the pod from the garden – never many of those though! Chocolate biscuits, cream, bread and butter, toasted cheese sandwich, the list just goes on and on

Moving Pictures: Once were Warriors, Cage aux folles, Colour Purple

My biggest regret … I have never been ambitious

When I was a very young I wanted to … work in film as a continuity girl

I wish I had never worn … A secondhand evening dress donated by an overweight neighbour

All my money goes on … No idea, but it always goes there

It’s not fashionable but I like … Virol, rose hip syrup, thermal vests

If I wasn’t me I’d like to be … A 5ft 7 in, dark haired beauty with the brain of a lawyer

The best day of my life … My marriage to my husband John

Gadget I can’t live without … A kitchen knife that never needs sharpening but is as sharp as can be – it’s serrated and lethal

My biggest influence … My strong convictions of fairness, democracy and decency

The best invention ever is … The sun, I wish I knew who made it!

With grateful thanks to the Independent on Sunday for the use of their format

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO CONTRIBUTE TO THIS SERIES please send an email to me, the editor at editorinbalance@me.com