Big thank you from Lisburn.com

Diane Jones

Diane JonesDiane Jones, 52, is the Vice President and Press officer for Hillsborough Speakers Club, Toastmasters. She also works as a Day Care Worker for the Elderly.

What do you like doing on your day off?
Absolutely have to have a wonderful long lie-in, then I adore spending time preparing presentations for Toastmasters.

Choose your favourite meal?
I love going out to an authentic Indian restaurant and eating with my fingers. I think this stems from the fact my first boyfriend at University was Indian..

Proudest moment?
Getting a standing ovation for a speech I made while in America -when I sat down , they all wanted to join Toastmasters.

Most frightening moment of your life?
When I was in digs at Queens a gang broke into the house I was staying in. As I was at the top, I heard them working their way up through the house looking for money.

Describe your taste in clothes?
Casual — very casual, except when in Toastmasters mode — then I like to dress my best and be as smart as time allows.

What would you do if you won a million pounds?
I'd go to a health farm and spend six months getting back into shape. On second thoughts, make that two years.

Most embarrassing moment?
Admitting at work that not only did I watch Big Brother, but I actually enjoyed doing so.

What music do you like?
I love Edith Piaf, The Pussycat Dolls, Leona Lewis and Christy Moore — in general I love clever harmonies, high notes, etc. I think I like Christy Moore more for his accent.

What sports person do you admire?
If I have to pick one person it would be Nadia Comaneche, as I love gymnastics, and although Olga Korbut got the first 10, Nadia took it to an even higher level.

Describe your best ever holiday.
My first time in Las Vegas. Flying internationally was an experience all on its own, but arriving at that breathtaking city will never be forgotten. As I normally only go for a few weeks at a time, my dream holiday would be a two months holiday there.

Your greatest ambition?
To become the second person in Northern Ireland ever to become a Distinguished Toastmaster. It takes years of hard commitment to achieve this, and I am so very close I can almost taste it.

If you could spend a day with a celebrity whom would you choose?
Could I pick Barack Obama? He is such a good public speaker, I would love to watch him close at hand, just to see if I can pin him down and see what his secret is.

If you were stranded on a desert island what three things would you want with you?
My laptop, a television and a chocolate factory.

Favourite things

Car Black Rolls Royce
Film The Wind that shakes the Barley
Comedian Catherine Tate
CD Spirit by Leona Lewis
Book Pride and Prejudice
Actor John Hurt
Actress Emma Thompson
Drink Diet Soda

Ulster Star
16/09/2009