15 Apr 2026
We ask a different figure from the local community to choose 10 questions to answer from a list of 50. This week: David Mitchell, independent Redbourn district councillor and chair of Redbourn Parish Council.
Do you ever Google yourself?
I have done, out of curiosity, but what comes up is mostly stuff about my namesake, David Mitchell, the comedian. In some ways, it’s quite useful sharing a famous name as people remember my name.
What TV did you watch as a child?
I can remember my dad getting our first family TV, a big square box. I used to find Morecambe & Wise absolutely hilarious. Doctor Who was really scary, especially the Daleks. Top of the Pops was also one of my favourite programmes which I recorded on a tape recorder. I also remember watching the BBC News when JFK was assassinated. I cried.
If you could have a conversation with someone who had died who would it be?
That would be my Dad. He died having an operation in 1998. It was a real surprise to me. I feel there was a lot we should have talked about before the grim reaper arrived. I do actually talk to him in my head even now, and I sometimes find myself having a little cry. I still miss him.
If you could travel back in time and offer your younger self some advice, what would it be?
Don’t try and be a perfectionist all the time. Aim for mediocracy as it is less stressful. If it turns out better, all well and good. If it turns out worse, then at least you haven’t invested too much time and energy, and you can move on.
What was your first job?
Working in a circus. I was taking photographs of the performers. Also, I drove the dustbin lorry to the next location overnight. I nearly fell asleep once and had to sing all the way from Nottingham to Hull to stay awake. I didn’t work at the circus for long but it was fun.
If you had a time machine, what year would you choose to visit and why?
I think it could be 1987. Although I have lived in the Redbourn area for most of my life, I grew up in Coventry. In 1987, Coventry City won the FA Cup. It is their biggest achievement to date, and I watched all the matches. It was a momentous occasion.
What object would you save first if your house was on fire?
My house insurance policy! I guess I would take my phone as that has everything on it these days. To be honest, I would just concentrate on getting everyone out safely.
Are things getting better or worse?
Both, I would say. On the one hand, I like all the modern technical stuff we have today such as mobile phones and the internet. But then again, I think it would be nice to return to less complicated times. I remember the days when you could go on holiday and no one could bother you for two weeks.
What was your best subject at school?
Art. I was quite a creative person rather than an academic (though I do have a degree). I told the school careers advisor that I wanted to be a film director. He suggested I should become a teacher. I think he said that to every pupil. In the end, I became a TV director at the BBC.
Were you well behaved at school?
I think I was, though I always seemed to be getting into trouble with teachers. I think the problem was that I laughed at pranks my classmates were getting up to. The teacher would see me laughing and give me a detention.
