Writing has been my main hobby for a long time. It’s only recently that I’ve been able to put enough time into it to call it a job and it certainly isn’t full time! It’s a great hobby though because, although I now use a computer, you don’t have to. I started off using just pen and paper – so it’s a very low cost hobby and there’s even the possibility of getting paid for it. You can do it more or less anywhere, anytime and the weather isn’t a problem. Try it! You don’t have to write a whole book. Just writing letters or a diary is lots of fun – especially letters because you might get some back. I’m pretty addicted to e-mail now too. I love the speed! No more having to buy stamps – though I do still write letters sometimes!

Reading is another hobby. I have to read quite a lot of serious stuff because I’m doing some studying, but really I prefer to read fiction, both kids’ and grown ups. My husband and I are in a Book Group. We all read the same book and then we sit around and discuss it. It’s a great way to get to know people better and to read some books you wouldn’t necessarily choose to read.

I also love swimming and try to go twice a week. I’m pretty fast at breast-stroke and am trying to improve my front crawl. I’ve got past the stage where I feel like I need the kiss of life at the end of a length so I’m making progress. There’s been a lot of famous writers who liked swimming so I reckon it’s a good hobby to have!

Every so often I trek off to Kentwell Hall in Suffolk with my kids to re-enact Tudor Life. I’m usually a basket-maker so yes, I can make baskets. They’re not as good as they should be though. It would be very unusual to be a female basketmaker in Tudor times so I have to pretend that my husband was killed and I have had to train to do something to make ends meet. That’s why my baskets aren’t too good yet either. My husband would have started learning when he was a young boy. Kentwell Hall is a fantastic place to have a day out when the Great Recreation is going on. It lasts for three weeks and you will see Tudor Life in all its splendour, from posh people in the Hall itself to workers on the manor like me. There are also mini Recreations on the Bank Holidays.

I also like walking and, if I could fit in more trips to the hills, I would. At the moment, I make do with walking my dogs each day. I especially like walks which take in a visit to a nice teashop with cake! All recommendations gratefully received!

(The links to external sites on this page are to help you learn more about the things that interest me. I do not endorse them. Please let me know if you have favourite links to sites covering my favourite subjects.)