SPOTLIGHT – GERALDINE FRANKLING
Upon leaving school Geraldine trained as a dental nurse at University College Dental Hospital in London and, after qualifying, worked in the operating theatre. Geraldine entered the commercial world where she worked in the City of London for a large Danish shipping/oil exploration company (approx. 90,000 employees). She was secretary to the Managing Director/Head of Europe for twelve years. Geraldine relocated to Wiltshire at the end of 1995 and worked as secretary to both the Chairman and Medical Director of a clinical research company. After the U.K. branch of the company closed, she worked briefly at Longleat.
How long have you worked at Warminster?
I joined Warminster School at the beginning of February 2007.
What’s the best thing about your role?
The pupils and the view from Reception.
Describe a typical day?
Impossible. The most surreal request I had was to have chickens removed from the Music Department courtyard! No day is typical.
What do you think makes Warminster a special place to live and learn?
Like the town itself, Warminster School has a friendly community and an atmosphere where people take the time to smile and acknowledge your existence.
What would surprise us about you?
I have skirted forest fires on the Burmese border and escaped from a 14th floor apartment building in Tokyo during an earthquake evacuation practice down the outside escape ladder. That was quite a terrifying feat, but I was much younger and fitter in those days!
As a child what did you want to be when you grew up?
Ballerina or artist.
Your note/advice to teenage self?
Don’t worry what your peers think of you and make the most of every opportunity that comes your way. Experience new countries and cultures. Always appreciate what you have – it is a gift, not an entitlement.
Biggest bugbear?
The extraneous use of the word “of” in a sentence and incorrect use of apostrophes. Bad manners, poor table manners, inconsiderate driving/parking, etc., etc. I thought you were supposed to become more tolerant with old age, but don’t you believe it!
Favourite band/group?
To anybody of my age, The Beatles are up there at the top. My teenage years were one long day dream of James Taylor, Joni Mitchell and then Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. Don’t forget I was a teenager during the hippie era and relished it all.
Guilty pleasure?
Marmite Crisps.
If you were on Masterchef what would your signature dish be?
Roast beef and Yorkshire pudding.
Last book you read?
The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton. Beautifully written and atmospheric – brought back many memories of my days spent in Amsterdam.
Last movie watched?
Carol
Favourite tipple?
A beautifully chilled glass of Pouilly-Fumé.
Favorite place/city in the world and why?
I adore Italy and could never tire of Rome. The amazing architecture, museums and historical monuments are around every corner and even the most insignificant church seems to boast a Botticelli, Titian or Raphael.
Twitter or Facebook?
Neither! As they say, “Old Birds don’t Tweet”.