My life in Gloucestershire: Jan van der Elsen of Sula Lightship

What's your favourite Gloucestershire day out?

Walking along the Gloucester/Sharpness canal, taking some pictures at Purton Hulks (ships' graveyard) and going for a nice meal.

And your favourite place to eat out in the county?

Lammastide Inn near Berkeley – very friendly pub with good food.

£2.50 off your evening meal at Vinings Restaurant!

Vinings Restaurant

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Print voucher

Sunday and Monday evenings £12.00 per head for an all inclusive meal with Indian and Thai cuisine (normal price £14.50).
Bring this voucher to the restaurant complete with your name and email address on it.

Terms: Expires 31st July

Contact: 01452 223782

Valid until: Wednesday, July 31 2013

What's the worst job you've ever had?

I never had a bad job really. It's what you make of it. I used to travel the world for many years as a corporate HSE Manager for a major oil company and, although it may sound nice, airports and hotels become a real pain after a while. I missed my family and friends a lot.

Have you got any unusual habits?

I don't have many habits. I believe habits restrict creative thinking.

Who is your hero and why?

Richard Branson. Since he is the living proof of achieving your goals by staying positive despite the occasional set-backs. He stays down-to-earth and just follows his heart with wild ideas!

What is you favourite book?

2001 – a space odyssey by Arthur C Clarke. It's very cleverly written book in three main chapters set in different time zones of humanity.

What was the last film you watched?

I cannot remember the last time I went to the cinema, and hardly watch TV. I do watch documentaries, and in particular the ones related to scuba diving, one of my favourite hobbies. Some of my favourite films are cartoons, like Finding Nemo and Aladdin.

First single/record you ever bought?

Salvatore Adamo's 'Vous permittez monsieur' from 1964. I had flu at the time, and my cousin went and got it for me.

Facebook or Twitter?

Facebook for me. I do have a Twitter account as well. Facebook has options like photo sharing that makes it more 'real' to share your world with friends.