Jeremy Wilton – Editor
A paragraph about who you are and what you do for the Magazine:
Jeremy Wilton – Il Jeffe, Il Capo de Tutti Capo, and El Campesino – seriously, the boss… in a rural sort of way.
If you were an animal which animal would you be and why?: Of course, I would like to be a lion, a cheetah and an eagle – in reality I would be a sloth, a budgie and a saddleback! Because I’m lazy, colourful and a bit of a boar!
If you were having a dinner party which two people who would you invite and why?: Father Ted and Seasick Steve – obviously for the music and the crack.
What is the first album you bought?: ‘The Planet Suite’ by Gustav Holszt
Tell us a joke – keep it clean!: ‘Doctor, doctor, I need something for my liver…’ ‘Here’s a pound of onions!’
What three things would you take to a desert island?: Seed potatoes, my Swiss Army knife and a copy of any book by Cormac McCarthy
One word that best describes you?: Stoic
Kate Wilton – Accounts, Subscriptions and Distribution
A paragraph about who you are and what you do for the Magazine: Hi I am Kate I have been with the Four Shires from the outset, you will see me dashing around the countryside at the beginning of the month visiting some of the extra Po & stores, farm shops, garden centres and other outlets that stock our super magazine. At other times I am based at our office in Banbury, dealing with enquiries as they come in and the accounts and subscriptions. I enjoy meals out with friends and family, pootling in my garden and allotment, taking our mad springer spaniel for muddy walks and watching my kids enjoy their hobbies and sports.
If you were an animal which animal would you be and why?: I would have to be a Song Thrush, so I could sit high on a tree top on a warm summers evening warming my wings and sing (in tune for once) to my heart’s content. It would also be amazing to be able to fly!
If you were having a dinner party which two people would you invite and why?: For a night full of laughter it would have to be Julie Walters and Paul O’Grady
What is the first album you bought?: I was a big ABBA fan in my youth so it was Voulez Vous, a classic album which I still listen to now! I loved the Mamma Mia film – Julie Walters was hilarious as always!
Tell us a joke – keep it clean!: This is a good one for the pitch touchline…. I was wondering why the ball kept getting bigger and bigger, and then it hit me.
What three things would you take to a desert island?: A pen knife, a fire starter kit and a book on star constellations so I could while away the darkness learning about the beautiful nights sky.
One word that best describes you?: Motherly
Cathy Black – Editorial and Social Media Manager
A paragraph about who you are and what you do for the Magazine: Starting work for the magazine in 2007, my career has seen me work in many areas from freelance and copywriting right up to page layout and the editorial planning and social media management, I now do. I have been very lucky to have the opportunity to grow with a company that has nurtured my talents.
If you were an animal which animal would you be and why?: I would be a Kangaroo. I have a bouncy, bubbly personality and can sometimes be a little jumpy!
If you were having a dinner party which two people would you invite and why?: Non famous: – My granddads as they died before I was born and to meet them just once would help fill in the blanks.
Famous: – Quentin Blake, he is the reason I love children’s books and is my inspiration when working on personal illustration projects (A hobby I enjoy when I get the chance!) and Alan Davies, admittedly he is a guilty pleasure, funny and seems to have a quirky personality!
What is the first album you bought?: Aqua – Aquarium. I am pleased to confirm that my music taste has improved somewhat since this first purchase in 1997!
Tell us a joke – keep it clean!: A man walked in to a bar…Ouch! – They don’t get much better I am afraid!
What three things would you take to a desert island?: After my husband and my children it would be; Sun tan lotion, factor 50 – Being a veritable milk bottle I burn if I even dare think about the sun! Notebook and pen – I am sure I would end up with plenty of time for sketching and writing and a dingy! – For when I am bored with being in the middle of the ocean and want to go home – probably wouldn’t take very long – I am very much a home bird!
One word that best describes you?: Honest.
Gail Seward – Advertising Manager
A paragraph about who you are and what you do for the Magazine: Hi my name is Gail Seward and I deal with advertising for FS. I have been with the friendly Four Shires team for three years, managing all aspects of the advertorial side of the mag and love the diversity of the role. One day I will be discussing features in the office and this month’s front cover, the next driving through our most beautiful local countryside to meet a prospective advertiser. I love people and I like to keep the art of conversation alive!
If you were an animal which animal would you be and why?: I would be a bird of paradise! This reminds me of a favourite book I used to read to my daughters based loosely on the ugly duckling story, as the bird character in the story matures, on his journey he comes across lots of creatures he is not, he then finds he grows amazing colourful wings and can soar! I like the idea of showing off my colourful wings and flying high!
If you were having a dinner party which two people would you invite and why?: That’s easy I have had a list for a couple of years, I have not quite got the culinary skills to match though so I haven’t sent an invite as yet, but I think it would make for an interesting evening!- Stephen Fry and Russell Brand great combination of brains and wit!
What is the first album you bought?: I think it could have been Wham or Tears for Fears I loved Bob Marley..may have been that, or even a bit of heavy rock ,far too long ago to remember though! I love all kinds of music
Tell us a joke – keep it clean!: Six out of seven dwarfs aren’t happy…
What three things would you take to a desert island? Water, sun cream and a boat…I prefer lots of company I don’t think I would survive long on my own!
One word that best describes you?: Well, I think this is a hard one to answer yourself, I may ask the FS team... I guess I would like to think I was kind… maybe fun.. but talkative I think would probably best describe me if I were to be honest!
Caroline Jaques – Design Manager
A paragraph about who you are and what you do for the Magazine: I’m a graphic designer, and I’m the designer for Four Shires magazine. I absolutely love this magazine and it’s a privilege to work on it. I run my own small design business, so I also work on design for branding, print and websites. Outside of work I enjoy the theatre, ballet, eating out, evenings with friends, lounging in the hot tub, spending weekends away in England and having really nice holidays abroad. I adore good food and the best meal I’ve ever eaten was at Le Gavroche in London. My favourite drinks are dry-as-a-bone Sauvignon Blanc and my friend Lin’s Margueritas. I don’t like organised exercise or being in a gym, but I’ve always danced. I still love to dance and go to Ceroc evenings regularly – it’s amazing exercise without knowing you’re doing it. I have three grown up children who are all artists and designers and I live a very happy life with my partner Barry.
If you were an animal which animal would you be and why?: A tiger… Cuddly and multicoloured. I like things done effciently and correctly, but without restrictions. I don’t like rules, I love socialising, I can be impulsive and free spirited. I’m self motivated, I attack everything I do with passion and enthusiasm and my friends say they never quite know what they are going to get. Therefore I am a tiger.
If you were having a dinner party which two people would you invite and why?: Bruce Willis, so that I could spend the evening looking at him (he has an amazing smile and wonderful eyes). And Michael McIntyre, because he’s the funniest man alive and I love to laugh.
What is the first album you bought?: Oh how embarrassing – Rollin’ by the Bay City Rollers. My music tastes are so much better now!
Tell us a joke – keep it clean!: I don’t know any clean jokes!
What three things would you take to a dessert island?: The BBC series of Pride and Prejudice contained in an unbreakable extra large TV/DVD player, a never-ending supply of the best Sauvignon Blanc, and my partner Barry (not necessarily in that order).
One word that best describes you? Bonkers (probably).
Illustrations by Gary Wing – www.garywingillustration.com
