SPOTLIGHT – KATE RUSSELL
The Spotlight shines on Kate Russell, our super organised and animal loving Receptionist.
Kate was born and grew up in Herefordshire. She studied Psychology at Swansea University, is a fully qualified counsellor and loves working with people. Kate moved to Wiltshire seven years ago where she lives with her husband Jordan and two children (cats), Pablo and Holly. Kate enjoys anything creative and has a passion for watercolour painting and baking. She also loves nature, music, travel, and anything with four legs.
How long have you worked at Warminster?
6 years. It’s gone shockingly fast.
Describe a typical Warminster day for you?
I spend most of my time organising school transport and welcoming visitors, but no two days on Reception are ever the same… one day I could be welcoming a lovely prospective family, the next I could be helping to rescue an injured bird outside. I like that it’s a responsive role and varied. I meet people from all walks of life and work with lovely young people so there’s rarely a dull moment.
What do you think makes Warminster a special place to live and learn?
It goes without saying that the pupils make Warminster a special place but honestly, the staff make Warminster what it is too. I work with some great people and can honestly say I have a proper belly laugh with my team most days.
What other Warminster role would you like to try for a day and why?
I always think the Art Department looks amazing. I would love a day teaching art and being creative. I’m also quite envious of the grounds team in summer months.
What would surprise us about you?
I once broke my bones in 15 places on the same day. I now have lots of metalwork in my body, so I like to think of myself as a female Wolverine.
As a child what did you want to be when you grew up?
A Blue Peter presenter. I’d still quite like to be one. Failing that, David Attenborough.
What did your school reports say about you?
I was Head Girl, so my reports were overall very good. But my maths reports were always quite poor. I’m astonishingly bad and lazy at maths. I am ashamed to say I often ask Alexa to answer basic calculations for me. Don’t tell Mr Sully!
Your note/advice to teenage self?
Don’t worry so much about what people think of you.
Your mantra/motto or favourite quote?
Worrying only gives small things big shadows.
Any hidden ambitions still to achieve?
Start my own small business in a creative capacity. I plan to travel lots more and one day buy a house deep in the middle of the countryside. I’m also currently trying to do a 5-minute plank by the end of the year – it’s a small ambition but it’s not easy!
A favourite possession you would save from a fire?
A box of memories I have. It’s full of photos and keepsakes of all the special things we’ve done.
Biggest bugbear?
The way we treat this planet like we have another one to go to. The weight of all man-made objects now exceeds the weight of all animals and plants on this planet.
Favourite musician/group?
I have quite an eclectic taste in music. I’m a huge 80’s fan but I love anything from Fleetwood Mac to The Beautiful South.
Guilty pleasure?
Bridgerton or Love Island with a tub of Häagen-Dazs Pralines and Cream.
What is your MasterChef signature dish?
My husband laughed when I told him about this question. I cook meals purely to keep us alive and my husband cooks the fancy ones. I’m more of a baker than a chef. I like to make ‘showstopper’ cakes and the best one I’ve made to date was a four tier Harry Potter themed cake for my husband’s 30th.
Favourite TV programme/boxset?
Only Fools & Horses or The Big Bang Theory is comfort television in our house. But I also enjoy shows like Game of Thrones, Breaking Bad, The Handmaids Tale, Billions and Black Mirror. I also love a good horror.
Last book you read?
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. I’m trying to read the whole series this year but I’m only on book three so it’s not going too well…
Last movie watched?
Where the Crawdads Sing. A lovely film.
Which actor would play you in a movie about your life?
I’ve been told I have big eyes like Amanda Seyfried so maybe her?
Favourite tipple?
Either a Three Rivers Gin and tonic or a French Martini.
Favorite place/city in the world and why?
Japan. Such an incredible country. The food, the people, the culture. I’d love to go back one day. The last time I was there was during the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami. Despite all that was going on, the Japanese people I met were incredibly kind and helpful.