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Great to see you back on Salvage Squad. Was it fun filming this series?
Of course it was. It's not a job, it's a massive, full-time, seven-month adventure and I never know what I'll be doing from one week to the next. It's always something different.
What have you been doing since the last series?
It's tough being away from home for over half the year, so it was great to be back working on the house and trying to be a domestic goddess. To balance the practical side of my life, I did a lot of research and museum visits. And Ian Clark, the restoration expert from the watermill and submarine programmes, who I've known for years, kept me busy for a few days driving a wheelbarrow. It's not at all glamorous but I really enjoy my life.
What were the highlights for you this year?
There are so many that I can't narrow it down but they include driving the Model T Ford around a racetrack, car spotting at Rod Jolley's workshop, braving the Ironbridge rolling mills and the chance to work with lots of fantastic, interesting, funny people.
Have you approached the show differently this year?
Three new boiler suits – they still don't fit properly but it's not a fashion show!
What was your favourite challenge?
While we were at Ironbridge working on the steam crane, Graham offered me the chance to get involved with rolling wrought iron. Picking up a heavy, red-hot bar, turning it and feeding it through the steam-driven rolling mills to the guy opposite was one the most scary and yet exhilarating things I've ever done.
What do you really think about the people who own the vehicles? Loons or great eccentric heroes?
Some of the great eccentric heroes have become good friends – and so have some of the loons. But there's no way I'm telling you who's who!
What's the most interesting thing that you've learned on the show?
I've loved nearly all the projects I've worked on, and at some stage have wanted to take them home, but I was told: 'If it flies or floats hire it and if in doubt, don't buy one, drive other people's.' But I can't help it; despite all the good advice I'm still saving for my very own steam thing.
What do you pack in your bag when you head off for a Salvage Squad shoot?
I don't travel light: tools, tea-making equipment, crate of beer, books, health and safety gear, torch, wellington boots, boiler suits, lots of music, my steel-toe-capped dancing shoes, string, gaffer tape and 109 bits and pieces that might just come in handy.
Top Salvage Squad tipple? Beer, wine or a nice cup of tea?
During the day we let gallons of tea and coffee go cold whilst we 'just do one more thing'. At night, we feel it would be very rude not to try the local real ale (the Otter down in Devon was particularly deadly – it just tasted so good) and I like a drop of Guinness. With all those vitamins it must be good for you.
Is there anything you'd like to salvage in your life?
I buy far too many books so the main problem is not enough shelves and I daren't go into the office – the paperwork has got out of control and really isn't safe.
What's your idea of a perfect weekend and who would it be with?
Sunny weather, good beer, interesting people and a fine selection of steam engines to play with.
Go on, give us some gossip on Suggs?
He has two livers and a fine collection of shoes, most of which are inappropriate in a workshop situation. He also keeps bees, which, lets face it, isn't really very rock 'n' roll.
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