Tanya Oliver: Woman of the Hour Interview

I am running a series of interviews with inspiring women I have met who are my Women of the Hour.

Please meet Tanya Oliver, writer and champion of the Lake District.

Tanya worked in a senior role in Local Government in Kent making public services easier to access and launching the ground-breaking Kent Film Office. With an underlying passion for the outdoors, Tanya spends much time climbing mountains in the Lake District and exploring the local countryside. Since 2012 Tanya has managed the conservation programme ‘Fix the Fells’ on behalf of the National Trust. This is a programme to repair and maintain the mountain paths in the Lake District. Tanya wrote From High Heels to High Hills published by Step Beach Press in 2012. 

Tanya has two children who have changed her life and aspirations completely.

What was your favourite book as a child?

Watership Down - and it still is. I read it time and time again and it still makes me smile and cry. 

Name the one thing you would put in Room 101 and why?

Cruelty - in whatever form it takes.

Do you have a favourite place to go (in the UK or abroad) that restores you?

The Lake District. When I see those mountains a sense of calm washes over me. Whatever the weather up there I just love it - it is as mystical and eerie in the rain and cloud as it is beautiful in the sunshine. 

I am Member Secretary of the Outdoor Writers and Photographers Guild and write for various outdoor magazines about walking and the Lake District.

Available here

What is your greatest fear now?

Something bad happening to my children.

Greek Myths or Grimm’s Fairy Tales and why?

Grimm’s Fairy Tales - purely from childhood memories of reading them and being part of a village acting group that brought some of the stories to life. 

Hansel and Gretel

Did you/do you have a mentor?

Yes - for many years my line manager Peter Gilroy. He was Chief Executive of Kent County Council for a number of years. He is still a good friend, even though our paths have diverged, and still mentors me. He has been simply brilliant. 

Westerns or Rom Coms and why?

Very hard to choose. Rom Coms on balance. I've had some wonderful evenings with my best friend watching these. Happy times. Although I was brought up on westerns - John Wayne amongst others as my mum is a fan so I have happy memories watching those too.

Who are your heroes?

My parents for many reasons. Also Emmeline Pankhurst and all the women and men who played such a vital part in the suffrage movement.

Emmeline Pankhurst

What do you consider the bravest thing you have ever done?

Having children - a real step into the unknown. Every day is amazing and a little bit scary too.

Thank you very much for answering my questions.

Woman of the Hour is published by Head of Zeus.