30 Oct 2024
We ask a different figure from the local community to choose 10 questions to answer from a list of 50. This week: Anna Marsh, an artist and market trader operating as Gal and Goose, “art to make you smile”, www.etsy.com/shop/galandgoose/
Where do you walk when you want to think?
There is nowhere that brings me mental clarity quite like a scenic walk through Highfield Park, most mornings I will make a coffee and take a walk through the park making sure to stop off by the orchard.
If you could travel back in time and offer your younger self some advice, what would it be?
Whilst there is a lot of advice I wish I could have given my younger self, the most important one would be to take risks and have faith in yourself, everyone is unique and brings something special to the table.
Dogs or cats?
As much as I love all animals, I would be lying if I said I wasn’t a dog person first and foremost. I am absolutely doggo obsessed and dogs are the inspiration behind a lot of my artwork with my main muse being my incredibly handsome Italian greyhound named Elmo (who we have affectionately nicknamed Goose since the second he joined our family).
Do you play any musical instruments?
I was fortunate enough to have played the flute for over 10 years and made so many wonderful friends whilst doing so. I believe playing a musical instrument is much like riding a bike, it is a skill that will stick with you forever.
What was your first job?
My first job was working at a card and gift shop at the age of 16 in the Galleria in Hatfield, I got to blow up the balloons which I remember really enjoying but also finding a little bit scary as even to this day I strongly dislike the sound of balloons popping.
What’s your favourite place to have breakfast in St Albans?
This is a tough one as there are so many great places to eat in St Albans, but I would have to say The Waffle House, as the delicious waffles mixed with the scenic location are unmatched. The vibes there are just immaculate.
What’s your favourite St Albans car park?
The NPC car park ([Drovers Way] in town, never have I been to such a complicated and confusing car park in all my life. It is the kind of car park where you need a map just to locate your car. There is nothing like going to a car park, getting to the right floor and realising your car is in fact staring at you from the other side of a completely different car park that is somehow attached to the car park you were parked in. It is just such a unique car park and I have never seen another one like it.
Wednesday or Saturday market?
Whilst both markets are great, and I would highly recommend both days. I have an extra special place in my heart for the Saturday market as the atmosphere is just fantastic, the stall holders are so lovely and a lot of them have been working on their stalls for decades. There is so much history there and such a diverse range of goods and services on offer.
What was your best subject at school?
Art was my absolute favourite subject at school, I used to have a double art lesson on a Thursday afternoon and it was my favourite day of the week, it was a time in which I could be truly creative and was almost therapeutic.
What is your favourite single item of clothing?
My Oodie, for anyone who hasn’t experienced the joy of wearing an Oodie it is essentially a giant oversized jumper/dressing gown that is like wearing a giant hug. I wear it whenever I am at home and also sometimes on late night dog walks, 10/10 recommend.
