31 Aug 2023
We ask a different figure from the local community to choose 10 questions to answer from a list of 50. This time: St Albans Action for Homeless community action worker and social media doyenne Sharon Linney.
Where do you walk when you want to think?
When I need to reflect or ponder I go for a brisk walk to the lakes. That has been my go- to for years or the “Cow field” (you will know where that is if you live in Cottonmill).
If you could have a conversation with someone who had died who would it be?
Jenny, my friend, my neighbour. One of the Cottonmill Witches. I just want to tell her that everything is OK, her children are well and that she has a grandson to be proud of.
Who was your first best friend?
Karen Lewis.We were at primary and secondary school together. She lived just up the road from me . Her family had a boat and I went away with them often and we had great summers together. We are still in touch via Facebook.
If you had a time machine, what year would you choose to visit and why?
The 1980s were a magical time for me, going out clubbing, finding out who I was and just enjoying life with my friends.
Are things getting better or worse?
Worse. The cost of living crisis is impacting so many and food poverty is at an all time high. Homelessness is rising and people are struggling to pay their bills. I myself am using my car less to save fuel and have had to cut my shopping bill.
Which three people, living or dead, would be your ideal dinner party guests?
My ideal dining partners would be someone to make me laugh , Ronnie Barker and Ronnie Corbett with John Bishop. Doing what I do all day means I need to kick back and laugh and these are my fave three.
Who is your favourite St Albans musician or band?
Maida Vales, Maclaren Wall, Friendly Fires, Enter Shikari
When have you been most scared?
I had a scare many years back. I had lots of troubles with my kidneys, eventually they found a growth resulting in a full nephrectomy. The wait for the biopsy results were scary but thankfully the growth was benign.
What is your most-missed St Albans shop, pub, café or restaurant?
Baker’s Oven, top of town . My mum worked there. The custard-filled doughnuts and wishy-washy tea served on red formica tables with tinfoil style ashtrays are a big part of my childhood.
What’s your favourite meal?
Roast beef dinner with all the trimmings.
