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Hi. My name is Paula Poulter. I am ‘a little bit on the wrong side of 50’ but I always knock 20 years off that! I’ve been a school teacher all my adult life, mostly in Essex but now on the Isle of Wight, where I’ve lived with my husband, Ian, for the past 7 years. I spent much of my childhood on ‘the Island’ and promised myself that one day I would move here! Luckily my husband shared that view too! I love the variation that the Island offers; from the often dramatic seascape to the calm tranquility of the downland and ancient woodland.
I’ve always been ‘Sporty’, always loved the ‘Outdoors’ and so attempt to combine both these two ‘personalities’ as best, and as often’, as I can! Unfortunately I’m currently recovering from a broken leg, which has really impacted on this summer’s enjoyment. However, it’s also made me focused and determined to get back on my mountain bike up the downs, and back out on the water as soon as possible.
Along with my husband Ian, I belong to the Island Sailing Club in Cowes and play an active part in the volunteering side of things. We both worked out that if we passed our Power Boat Level 2 certificates then we could do our volunteering on the Club’s RIB! This we do regularly as part of the Tuesday Night Race Series, as well as during other times such as Cowes Week and Round The Island. Between the pair of us, although I still teach part-time, we both do a lot of voluntary work across the Island. I’m a firm believer in embracing opportunities, and putting yourself about to help and support others. Volunteering involves time, and often means that you’re ‘out of pocket’ yourself, but the sense of enjoyment, fulfilment and enrichment is second to none.
What is your favourite joke?
I can never remember any jokes but love the slapstick humour of people like Catherine Tate.
What makes you smile?
The different forms the sea takes be it rough and stormy or peaceful and tranquil
What is your favourite good news story?
The powerful ripple effect that the 2012 Olympics had, in particular with getting women into cycling
What inspires you?
When you set yourself a target and plan a strategy to get to that target and achieve it . Striving to get to something that at the time seems unattainable but with hard work and effort you can and do actually achieve it.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Cruelty – people being cruel to other humans and people being cruel to animals
If you could have one superpower what would you choose and why?
To fly so that I could visit my Mum and daughter every day from across The Solent
What is your favourite food?
Chinese
What is your favourite drink?
Ginger beer
If you are going on holiday what luxury item would you take from home?
Blue eyeshadow!!!
If you could make one law, what would it be and why?
Legalising “Dignitas Type” facilities in the UK
Give us a random piece of information about you that people wouldn’t know?
I still hold the UK record for the club 4x 800m relay as part of that squad
What is your favourite phrase or saying?
Don’t give me a problem give me a solution
What cause, project or event would you like to promote?
Ability Dogs 4 Young People – an Isle of Wight charity, training assistance dogs to enhance the independence of disabled young people and children living on the Isle of Wight. We have had one of these from a puppy and helped train it to become a working dog
Who is your favourite music artist?
Elton John
Who is the person that you feel has shaped your life most?
My dad – he used to take me to various athletics events across the country and taught me the skills of resilience and dealing with physical and mental endurance and i have tried to use this in other parts of my life.
PJ’s or Not?
Hot or cold? Cold as it makes me think of skiing!!
Cat or dog? Dog – no contest
Blue or pink? Blue
Tea or coffee? Coffee
Glass half-empty or glass half-full? Half full
Pyjamas or not? PJ’s
Night out or night in? Night in
Pizza or pasta? Pasta
Biscuits or cake? Both!!
Wine or beer? Neither – I don’t drink
Football or rugby? Football
Cinema or theatre? Cinema
Gym or TV? Out of the two TV but would much rather go out on my mountain bike up on the Downs than watch TV
Naughty or nice? Naughty
Silver or gold? Silver
Tent or hotel? Tent
Bath or shower? Bath
Starter or pudding? Starter
Sheets or duvet? Duvet
Love Island or Game of Thrones? Neither
Finally, apple or banana? Apple
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A great idea and if it helps both the young children and the dementia sufferer then it can only be a good thing...
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