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WHAT I AM CALLED: Mo Merchant.
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MY AGE: 70 years young.
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WHAT I DO: I am a part-time coach driver taking pupils to Matthew Arnold School in Arnolds Way, Oxford from Kingston Bagpuize, Southmoor, Fyfield, Netherton and Longworth. I am also an adult volunteer with the Air Training Corps which I have been doing for 24 years. I started way back in 1988 when my oldest daughter joined the local squadron – 1861 (Wantage) Sqn, Thames Valley Wing. I became involved because I had previously been in the Women’s Royal Air Force working as an assistant air traffic controller. In 1989 I went in to uniform as a warrant officer. I moved to several other squadrons during the 24 years and was also the senior the Wing Warrant Officer for three years. I hung up my uniform in June 2010 and became a Civilian Instructor again on 2410 (Didcot) Sqn. l WHERE I LIVE: I live in Wantage.
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WHO I LOVE: I love all of my family.
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HAPPIEST YEAR: The birth of my two daughters and my two grandsons have been my happiest years so far along with this year, 2012, when I have been an Olympic torchbearer.
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PROUDEST BOAST: Being selected to be an Olympic torchbearer in Nettlebed. I was nominated by Jane Wicks, a colleague adult volunteer at 2410 (Didcot) Sqn, because of the work and enthusiasm I have put in to the 24 years that I have been involved in the Air Cadet Organisation. l WORST WEAKNESS: Probably that I have a low pain threshold – this is what my daughter tells me anyway.
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LESSONS LEARNED: When or when not to speak my mind (most of the time, anyway).
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DULLEST JOB: As a teenager I went to Hong Kong with my family as my dad was in the Royal Navy. My first job ever was with a small import/export company and I was employed as a typist. I have never been so bored in my life.
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OLDEST FRIEND: Maureen Frude, a girl who lived in the flat below us in Kowloon, Hong Kong between 1957 and 1959. We have stayed in touch ever since.
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WIDEST SMILE: Carrying the Olympic flame… and the smile is still with me.
- BIGGEST REGRET: Probably that I did not visit Alice Springs and Ayers Rock during the four years I lived in Australia or subsequently when I went back for a visit with my youngest daughter.
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