Friday's Child
The Derry Journal's Friday’s Child is Project Based Learning Co-Ordinator at North West Regional College Annette Smith. Annette, who ran her own salon Hair Flair in Buncrana for many years spent 22 years teaching Hairdressing before moving to her new role. Annette recently oversaw the College’s weekend of events at Foyleside Shopping Centre and supported the College’s Open Days on February 26, 27 and 28. She is married to Sean and has three sons (Kevin, Aaron and Ryan), a dog Coco, Cat Harley, and two chickens Omelette and Drumstick. She is also an active member of the Foyle and Inishowen Chernobyl Children’s Charity.
How would you describe yourself?
Easy going.
Happiest childhood memory?
My Dad Jim teaching me to swim at Lisfannon Beach. He never really succeeded but we had great fun trying.
What was your first job?
Trainee Hairdresser at Eileen Doherty’s hairdresser’s in Great James’ Street.
Favourite book?
Anything written by Barbara Taylor Bradford. I collect all her books and have several signed copies, I especially love A Woman of Substance.
Favourite film?
Beaches.
Favourite television programme?
The Big Bang Theory or First Dates.
Favourite expression?
That’s no Problem.
Favourite method of relaxation?
Reading a book.
Favourite holiday destination?
I love Lanzarote. It’s small and you can get around it. My family all prefer skiing though.
Who would you most like to meet?
Billy Connelly – I love his wit, he’s so interesting.
What makes you angry?
Laziness.
What makes you happy?
The Month of July when we have 2 Children from Chernobyl Angelina and Marlena stay with us.
What human quality do you most admire?
Kindness.
What human quality do you least admire?
Cruelty (especially to children).
What has been the most embarrassing thing to happen to you?
I have an uncontrollable fear of mice. One night when I went out to put something in the bin, the cat walked across the yard with a mouse in its mouth. I was so afraid I ran straight for the car and locked myself in. I was still there an hour later, a trembling wreck, when my husband came looking for me.
What was the worst thing to happen to you in your life?
The death of close family members.
What is your greatest fear?
MICE (see most embarrassing moment!)
What has been the high point of your life to date?
Marrying Sean and having my three boys.
How would you like to be remembered?
Hard working and Dedicated.
What is your most treasured possession?
My father’s tie pin. He wore it to my wedding.
If you won the lotto what would you do with it?
Go to Chernobyl and work with the kids out there.
If you could be granted one wish in life, what would you ask for?
To build an extension on my house and take ten children from Chernobyl every summer instead of two.
If you could write your own epitaph what would it be?
Here lies an old woman who was always tired
‘cos she lived in a house where help wasn’t hired.
Her last words on earth were dear friends I am going
Where washing aint done nor sweeping nor sewing
And everything there is exact to my wishes,
‘cos they don’t eat and there is no washing of dishes.
So don’t mourn me now don’t mourn me not ever
I’m going to do nothing for ever and ever.
