What makes you laugh?

Situations – I don’t like comedy programmes but I’ll laugh my head off at something that happens in everyday life – I always see the funny side to things.

What are your greatest achievements?

Raised over £30,000 for local charities, arranging Sunday lunch events in Birmingham. I am also on the Heart of England Association committee – the only woman - and we have donated over £200k to local hospitals for cardiac equipment.

• Soft rock like the Eagles.

• Tony Bennett – I see him every year when he comes to Symphony Hall

• I am a friend of the Symphony Hall and go there regularly.

Do you like to travel?

I've been to Lebanon, Egypt, Jordan - as a guest of Jordanian government (there was a chap I got to know at Birmingham University studying to be a doctor; he invited me to Jordan). I've travelled all around America and Europe. I love Egypt and Jordan - the people are friendly, the culture is fascinating...and the sun!

What do you like to read?

What are your favourite films?

Although I am young at heart, I will show my age here, because it is all the romantic ones: Lawrence of Arabia (I love Omar Sheriff), Gone With The Wind, Dr Zhivago.

What’s your perfect day?

It would be something a bit different - like a flight to Paris, lunch at the George V, people watching on the Champs Elysees. Lots of fine food and fine wine.

• I’m a real foodie. I like good food, from pub grub to a Michelin starred restaurant. I've appeared on the BBC's Recipe for Success. I enjoy trying establishments run by famous chefs, like Pascals, Simpsons, Rick Steins, etc. I am also a member of the West Midlands Gourmet Society: we try out different chefs and restaurants around the West Midlands; each member chooses a venue on a rotating basis.
• I love the theatre – musicals mainly.
• I also enjoy politics – Liberal Democrats. I even used to be the social secretary for the local party when it was the SDP. I've arranged many good social events. I still get involved at election time, helping out the party.
• I enjoy all forms of dancing. When I can, I’ll do a salsa class, as I have a friend who teaches it. I've done ballroom dancing and line dancing; I've tried tap dancing, but wasn’t quite nimble enough.
• I love visiting places of interest - art galleries, stately homes, museums. Top of my list comes the Metropolitan and less well-known Frick in New York, but I also love the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.