Joseph Bulmer, 26 May
Torrington’s Queen of Mischief and former Ambassador for Devon Anne
Tattersall has been ferociously raising money for charity for decades
becoming one of the town’s best known characters.
This week Anne, 64, sat down with the North Devon Gazette to talk about
her heroes, her regrets and how the area has changed over the years.
Anne, originally from Derry, has raised tens of thousands of pounds for
local and national charities, North Devon Hospice in particular.
Despite having decades of charity work under her belt Anne is still
going strong. Her latest venture will bring one of the UK’s favourite
drag queens to Westward Ho! to raise money for North Devon Against
Domestic Abuse.
Mayfair Carnival
What are you up to at the moment?
I’m editing my first novel and organising a charity event for North
Devon Against Domestic Abuse at the Pier House, Westward Ho! on July 5
hosting Fonda Cox, the UK’s favourite Drag Queen.
How has North Devon changed over the last 20 years?
I’ve seen an influx of people moving here and I love the diversity, but
the negative side is the property prices have increased making it
harder for young local people to get on the property ladder.
Did you have any heroes growing up?
Bishop Daly from Derry who was directly involved in trying to save the
lives of people massacred and injured on Bloody Sunday, an event I
witnessed first hand as an 11-year-old child. Also John Hume (Nobel
Prize winner for peace) who was a tireless campaigner for Civil Rights
in Derry and Nelson Mandela.
Over the years you've been part of many different projects and
businesses. Which did you find the most enjoyable?
Working as a fundraiser with Ali Hunt (the BEST boss EVER!) at North
Devon Hospice and raising funds to build the Hospice’s bedded-unit.
What do you do for fun?
Reading, writing, spending time with friends (my ‘Mucker’, Maura
Clafferty – friends for life, she knows too much about me!) and
travelling. My husband Chris is my best friend and it’s always fun to
spend time with him!
Favourite drink or cocktail?
I’ve given up alcohol (best thing I’ve ever done) and enjoy coffee and
soda water and lime juice.
Favourite food?
Spaghetti Bolognese
Favourite films?
The old version of 12 Angry Men
Favourite TV/Streaming series?
Blue Lights and Channel 4 news
Favourite book?
I’m a massive reader and have loads of favourites. Childhood books:
Brer Rabbit (Enid Blyton) and Anne of Green Gables (L.M. Montgomery)
Adult books: Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls (Elena Favilli and
Francesca Cavallo); The Shell Seekers (Rosamunde Pilcher); The Girl
with the Louding Voice (Abi Dare); Tara (Lesley Pearse); and I shall
not Hate (Izzeldin Abuelaish).
Favourite sport/team?
Rugby! Leicester Tigers and Ireland
What’s your favourite spot in North Devon?
Torrington Commons
What do you think this area does better than anywhere else?
North Devonians are very special people, and full of great characters.
They are what makes this area better than anywhere else. My favourite
North Devon character, Kenny Wheeler, Weare Gifford (RIP)
What could and should be improved in North Devon?
More apprenticeships and work for young people.
What is it about North Devon that keeps you here?
I have Irish blood and a Torrington heart and love North Devon with a
passion and am very blessed to have found my spiritual home.
What would you say are your proudest moments?
Meeting my favourite authors, poets and politicians, Lesley Pearse,
Seamus Heaney (RIP) Tony Benn (RIP) and John Hume (RIP) and poet
Laureat Carol Ann Duffy.
Do you have any regrets?
I do my best to turn my regrets into positives, they are what shaped me
into the woman I’ve become. However, accepting a British Empire Medal
was a definite regret (it never sat comfortable with my conscience) and
I’ve since returned it. I let my ego get in the way of my conscience
but am now trying to learn the gift of humility.
Do you have any advice for youngsters in North Devon?
Don’t worry about academic failures, and don’t let them define you. Be
kind. Try to challenge social injustice, it’s the only way to make a
better world for the next generation.