I will be running a series of interviews here with inspiring women I have met who are my Women of the Hour. First off please meet Jan Thompson who is British Ambassador to the Czech Republic.
Jan has worked in Germany; at the UN Security Council in New York and led work on the Balkan wars (1994-1997). From 2002 – 2005 Jan headed the UK department on Afghanistan. After the Asian tsunami she flew to Thailand to establish a temporary British office to help the victims.
Q: Jan, what was your favourite book as a child?
The complete works of Shakespeare. I was oddly obsessed
with his plays and had my dolls act them out!
Q: Name the one thing you would put in room 101 and why?
War: such senseless pain, destruction and loss of life.
Q: Do you have a favourite place to go (in the UK or
abroad) that restores you?
Scotland. Despite being English I (half) believe I’m the
reincarnation of Mary Queen of Scots. I feel at home and a strong sense of
connection whenever I’m there.
Q: I collect small lead figures of working people. Do you collect anything?
No. I’m averse to clutter.
Q: Greek myths or Grimm’s fairy tales and why?
Greek myths; more inspiring and less scary.
Q: What is your greatest fear now?
Physical and/or mental incapacity.
Q: Who are your heroes?
My mother. Shakespeare. And people like paralysed journalist Frank Gardner who overcome adversity with such tremendous grace.
Q: Did you/do you have a mentor?
My mother. And very good friends, who keep me sane.
Q: Westerns or Rom Coms and why?
Rom Coms. Better escapism and less dirt.
Q: Finally, what do you consider the bravest thing you have ever
done?
Thank you very much for answering my questions.
Woman of the Hour is published by Head of Zeus.
An interesting interview of an interesting person. A great idea for a series :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you Tracey.
ReplyDeleteI've met many inspirational women during my life, including you - artist, writer, broadcaster, mum and dog saver.