26 Apr 2023
We ask a different figure from the local community to choose 10 questions to answer from a list of 50. This time: the chief executive of young people’s mental health charity Youth Talk, David Barker.
Do you ever Google yourself?
Not really – although when I worked at the British Heart Foundation people used to Google me quite a bit and as a result thought I was ‘Professor David Barker’ a highly respected and eminent physician who worked in coronary heart disease. Clearly, they were disappointed when I turned up at events and had to explain to people not to call me ‘Prof’!
How often do you check your phone?
Far too often – bring back the good old days when you had to walk and find a public telephone box in order to make a phone call!
If you could have a conversation with someone who had died who would it be?
My dad – he always truly inspired me with his tremendous love of life and determination to get things done.
Were you well behaved at school?
Erm – I think I was but am not sure if my teachers would agree. They could never work out if it was me or my identical twin brother (Peter) who was to blame. It was of course usually him!
If you could travel back in time and offer your younger self some advice, what would it be?
Live each day as if it’s your last – do what you love (not what people tell you to love), never stop learning and grab every opportunity that presents itself.
Dogs or cats?
Dogs – my (noisy) cockerpoo Oliver would be disgusted if I suggested anything different.
What was your first job?
First ‘voluntary’ job was when I was a Cub Scout – collecting newspaper every week to help fundraise for the Scout Group. First ‘paid’ job was as an early morning cleaner at the old Co-op in Fleetville (now Morrisons) and Court Rooms.
What’s your favourite St Albans car park?
Can’t say that I’ve really ever had one (or felt a need to have one) – but I’m sure that the London Road car park (the old Blockbuster video one!) will now become my ‘favourite’ thanks to Youth Talk taking on new bigger premises at 64 London Road!
What was your best subject at school?
Couldn’t pick one – I’ve always been a fan and true believer that the best learning and life skills are learnt outside of the classroom.
Most inspirational St Albans person – living or dead?
As a lifelong Scout, Trustee, ex Venture Scout leader and past producer of St Albans Gang Show I continue to be truly inspired by the army of adults who freely volunteer their valuable time for the benefit of our local young people. Scouting gives young people fabulous skills for life and has given me so many great life experiences and lifelong friendships.
