This week, we had A Conversation With... Mrs Catherine Brazil. Our wonderful Events and Alumni Officer joined Shiplake College in 2015 as part of the finance team. While she thoroughly enjoyed her time in the finance department, Catherine jumped at the opportunity to take on a new challenge in the marketing department.
What does your average day entail?
Very varied, though the one constant is that it always starts with a coffee! At the moment I’m working hard preparing the 2019 Old Viking Magazine, and also planning and looking ahead to events happening in 2019. It’s our 60th anniversary next year which I’m so excited about as we have lots planned to make it special but also rather daunting as I’m the one doing the planning!
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Without doubt it has to be talking to Old Vikings, particularly some of our earliest members. I just love hearing about Shiplake in the 60s and 70s. Everyday school life has changed a lot but the ethos remains the same to this day.
What were you like as a school girl and what was your favourite subject?
I absolutely loved my school days and look back so fondly. My favourite subject was drama which I took all the way through to Drama School – I have a degree in acting.
What did you do before joining Shiplake?
Upon leaving Drama School, I did the odd acting job but unfortunately Hollywood never came calling! I then spent nearly ten years travelling the world as Cabin Crew for Virgin Atlantic which was such an amazing experience but gave that up when my twin boys came along to be a full time Mum.
If you could join any past or current music group which would you want to join?
This is about as uncool as it gets but come on, who wouldn’t want to be in Steps?
What are you most looking forward to about Christmas?
The usual – the food, the drink, the parties, the PJ days, but ultimately just hanging out at home with my family.
What does the future hold for Catherine Brazil?
The immediate future holds frantic Christmas Shopping and lots of over indulging. But after that I’m looking forward to the 60th Anniversary and spending many more years in this role at the College - unless Hollywood comes calling of course!
