22 Jan 2025
We ask a different figure from the local community to choose 10 questions to answer from a list of 50. This week: Sonia Varadi, who founded Facebook group The St Albans & Harpenden Reuse Project in 2019 to reduce refuse by reusing, repurposing and recycling unwanted items for people in need. It now boasts almost 20,000 members. Find out more at www.facebook.com/groups/stalbansreuseproject/
Where do you walk when you want to think?
I do love Dunstable Downs, it’s like being in an airplane, you can see for miles!
Where do you go to listen to music?
I have music on in every single room in my house all the time so I don’t have to go far! Music keeps me happy! At my happiest I’m baking at home with the tunes playing . Nothing better.
What’s the first thing you do after you’ve woken up in the morning?
Shout at my teenager to turn off his alarm that’s waking up everyone but him!
Do you remember your first kiss?
Yes. I think I charged him 10p. Bargain.
What’s your worst habit? Swearing. It’s scientifically proven to aid dopamine and reduce stress levels.
How often do you check your phone?
A lot! I have to ! Being an admin of an extremely busy local Facebook recycling group takes up a lot of hours each and every day. Posts need approving quickly as people want their things moved quickly and any issues arising need sorting out as things can escalate fast.
Who was your first best friend?
The fantabulous Rachel Varndall. We met in primary school, Aboyne Lodge. We made plans for me to live in her back garden, in the brick shed. She’s still very accommodating! She’s everyone’s best friend as she’s just so lovely.
Where would be your preferred place locally to get married?
The Lady Chapel of St Albans Cathedral. My foster dad (Colin Slee) was the Sub Dean at the Cathedral. Suffice to say we spent a lot of time there! It’s such a beautiful place.
What object would you save first if your house was on fire? My tumble dryer starting smoking the other night and I grabbed my car keys. Please don’t tell my son I forgot about the cat…
If you could have a conversation with someone who had died who would it be? There is only one, a beautiful little girl who is much loved and missed.
