Throwback eighteen years ago

What a throwback! I don’t even remember being interviewed for this. Eighteen years ago. But having a massive clear-out of emails (I daren’t confess to how many) threw this up. Wonder what else is lurking there…

BIBIC chief In The Spotlight
From the Bridgwater Mercury, first published Friday 19th Jan 2007.

JULIE Spencer-Cingoz is the chief executive of the British Institute for Brain Injured Children, a national charity with its headquarters in Bawdrip.

She was born and raised in the North-East but has lived in Somerset for 23 years. The 50-year-old has a daughter, Zoe-Lisa, and a grandson, Anderson.

Julie spends her spare time working with the boards of other organisations and charities including the Racial Equality Council, SCAT, and Kingsmoor School.

In 2000 she was voted Charity Principal of the Year and although not actively involved now, was well-known locally for her singing and acting in professional and amateur events.

What is the best and worst thing about the place you live in?

This area is blessed with so many things to do, especially in the summer, from speedway to parties in the park. The arts in particular are well represented. The worst thing is the house prices. How anyone gets onto the housing ladder in this area for the first time is beyond me. And the general lack of quality high street names in Bridgwater is frustrating.

What is the best and worst thing about your job?

Knowing that BIBIC makes a real and lasting difference to families and disabled children by giving them the support they need and deserve to impact on their whole lives. The worst is without a doubt the knowledge that staff work their socks off with such dedication but that there is never any certainty about income levels.

What was your ambition as a child?

I had two ambitions, neither of which came to fruition. One was to attend a theatre school but I had won a scholarship to a girls’ public school and my parents insisted on that route. The other was to become a detective, and I did actually apply to the police force but at that time the criteria included minimum height and sight conditions, and being vertically challenged and wearing specs or lenses precluded me.

What has been your greatest achievement?

I’ve led such an interesting and varied life that I have several achievements which give me great satisfaction. Heading up such a worthwhile charity as BIBIC probably tops the list.

What characteristic you dislike most in others and in yourself?

I detest selfishness, and the lack of common courtesy in some people. It doesn’t cost anything to be polite, no matter what your own mood. And in myself, my impatience at times, though over the years this has mellowed enormously and I have a learned tolerance rather than natural patience.

What is your biggest fear?

I have no real phobias. But the fear of most parents and grandparents, I guess, that something may happen to my nearest and dearest before me.

When and where were you happiest?

There are factors in my personal life now which make me happier than I’ve ever been before. And I now have a wonderful grandson, Anderson, who has added a new dimension to my life.

What three items would you take to a desert island?

Moisturiser (you have to be practical), my music collection and the means to play it. And a photo album.

Who are your dream dinner party guests (maximum five)?

Leonardo da Vinci because anyone so intelligent and ahead of their time in so many spheres has to have been fascinating to meet. Margaret Thatcher because, love her or hate her, I’m sure there would have been spirited and challenging conversation. Ant or Dec to add humour, and as fellow Geordies. And Andrea Bocelli, who is truly inspirational.

How would you like to be remembered?

As someone who lived life to the full. Or simply someone who cared.

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