The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
History buff
Getting to know Nicola Cowmeadow, local history officer for Culture Perth and Kinross.
Q Which artists, alive or dead, inspire you? A Writers inspire me. Letters, diaries and journals, I love reading what people write about themselves, especially if they didn’t intend their diaries or letters to be published or kept in archives to use for research. Old letters inspire me. Q What was your plan B career-wise? A Singing. Q Your house is on fire, what one item do you save? A Nothing, it’s only stuff! Q Theme song for your life? A All I would Say by PlaidSong, the band I am in. Q Last meal on earth? A Steak.
Q Dream dinner party guests? A Margaret the second Lady Nairne (d 1747), Duff Cooper, Robert Burns, Violet Jacob and David Jason. Q First thing you’d do if you won £1 million? A Give some away. Q What would be your superhero power/name? A My super power would be turning cruel actions into kind ones. Q Happiest memory? A The births of my boys.
Q And most embarrassing? A Getting up at a party for my graduation to thank everyone and only being able to cry and not speak! Q Biggest regret? A No time for regret. Q What are you proudest of? A My sons mostly but also running the London Marathon. Q Quiet night in or big night out? A Quiet night in. Q Early bird or night owl? A Early bird .
Q Who do you admire most? A Many of the noble women I research c1700 – they faced life with zest and fortitude. I read their letters and admire their attitude and their enjoyment of life. Q And who do you detest? A I detest intolerant people. Q If you could turn back the clock what one thing would you change? A I’d go back and attack things with more confidence. Q Who would you like to thank? A Too many! But they know who they are... Q What advice would you give to your younger self? A Just do it!. Q What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever had to do? A Making big changes to the way I live my life. Q Hardest thing you’ve had to give up? A The love of a good friend. Q Do you give money to beggars? A Not always. Q What was the worst punishment you had as a child? A Having to be quiet. Q What’s your motto? A “It’ll pass” (Mr Bennet says this in Pride and Prejudice). Q Write your own epitaph. A “That’ll do.” Q What keeps you awake at night? A Worry in general. Q What three words would your best friend use to describe you? A Kind, passionate, loving. Q And your biggest critic? A Bossy, always right, talkative.
Q What have you got in your handbag? A I always have tissues and a toothbrush and toothpaste in my bag, as well as money and lipstick. Q Mobile phone ringtone? A No idea, it just rings out. Q Where would you rather be right now? A Anywhere, as long as I’m singing. Q Tell us a joke. A No, it’s too rude!