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On the spot: with Caroline James
What was your first job? My first proper grown-up job was a contracts negotiator for the Ministry of Defence.
If you weren't in your present job what would you like to do?
I only intended to stay at Big for a short while, and that was six years ago. I get to meet dedicated and inspirational people working in the voluntary sector and, crucially, those that benefit from Lottery funding. It's very humbling, and keeps my feet on the ground. So if I left, I would like to continue trying to make a difference to people's lives in the region.
What was your worst mistake?
I was persuaded to go windsurfing in a wetsuit that was three sizes too big with a large hole in it. It was a cold November day on the North Yorkshire coast. Apart from almost drowning and a touch of frostbite, I survived, but haven't windsurfed since.
What is your ideal day away from the office?
Getting down and dirty in the country.
Name one person you would like to have dinner with and why?
Jean Muir the clothes designer, sadly passed away. Her no-compromise attitude to quality, and skill as a pattern cutter.
What was your best subject at school?
Computer studies as it was known in the late seventies. The computers were the size of a semi-detached house and the programmes we wrote were sent away to be inputted and executed. It took a week to come back.
What are your hobbies?
I have inherited a love for growing vegetables from my granddad. I can bore the legs off a buffalo about tomatoes and pest control.
What would you do if you won the Lotto?
If I had a pound for every time I was asked what the numbers were, I wouldn't need to play it. If I won, I would try to be sensible, although I don't hold out much hope. Probably splash out on a new greenhouse and redecorate.
What is your top time-saving tip?
At the end of the day, make time to sit back and reflect on what's gone well and what needs working on.
What is your favourite time of the day?
6.30am when the day kicks off, the dog wakes up and the coffee goes on.
What would your epitaph be?
She lived life to the full and even left some coffee in the pot for a change.
Caroline James, head of Yorkshire and the Humber at the Big Lottery Fund.
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Weather for Yorkshire
Sunday 12 February 2012
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 1 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 4 C to 8 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: West
