You know the name, now get to know the person! Marion Lake, production team member at Workwear Innovation, and grandma of MD Charlie Smith, discusses her soul mate husband, her love of brandy and desserts, and her knitting skills. Unusually, Charlie interviewed his grandma for this Q&A – watch the video for the full comedy (and heartwarming) genius of this pair
How and when did you start your career in the industry?
Two years ago. My grandson Charlie asked me to help out. [Charlie‘s view differs: “You were milling about in there with Grandad and you said, ‘I could do that.‘“]
What‘s the best thing that‘s ever happened to you at work?
Earning money, helping the business, and being with people that I love.
How would your grandson Charlie describe you?
[Marion is unsure, so Charlie chips in] “Very happy go-lucky, full of life, very positive. A glass half-full person, you just get on with it. Very unselfish person. And also bloody dopey as well!“
What‘s your favourite word or phrase?
I love you.
Marion’s favourite gig was Freddie and the Dreamers at- Salisbury City Hall, on 21 November, 1963
[Credit: ©Harry Pot / Anefo – imagesmag.uk/freddie-attribution]
What‘s the best gig you‘ve been to?
Freddie and the Dreamers at the City Hall.
Tomato ketchup or brown sauce?
Tomato.
What‘s your hidden talent?
Cleaning! Oh I knit. I‘ve knitted lots of jumpers and a lot of knitted toys. They go to all my family and friends, and I give them to charities. I knit blankets and little hats for the maternity ward, and for my great-grandchildren.
What‘s your most prized possession?
My husband. He‘s my soulmate.
What‘s your guilty pleasure?
Helping out. Food. And going on a cruise when I can. That‘s not a guilty pleasure though. [Person filming interjects: “Bottles of brandy!”] Oh yes, brandy. And a bag of nuts. I like Walkers crisps. [Charlie points out Marion has missed the main one: “Desserts”] Oh yes, I like any dessert. At Christmas I have all of them.
Whose job at the company would you want?
That‘s a difficult question. I don‘t think I could ever do it as good as you or anybody else.
Marion and Alan in Lisbon, Portugal – one of the best places Marion has visited
What‘s the best place you‘ve ever visited?
Lisbon. And Gibraltar.
Which gadget couldn‘t you live without?
Marion: “Hairdryer.“ Charlie: “I don‘t think you could live without your bloody hearing aids!“ Marion: “Oh yeah! Put hearing aids.“
If you could ask one person (living or dead) one question, who and what would you ask?
That would be my mother. I wish she could have told me more things about life so I could have passed it on.
