4 minute read
With... Wetherby Whaler Director Caroline Murphy
20 Questions with... Wetherby Whaler Director
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Caroline Murphy
By Austen Dack What is your connection to Fish & Chips?
Through my Mum and Dad who started in the industry 55 years ago with their first shop in Tadcaster. I joined them at the age of 12 and have been here ever since.
What do you love most about Fish & Chips?
Apart from eating them! It’s such a great industry to be involved in. I have such a varied day to day in my own business with never 2 the same, I also love my role as Vice President of the NFFF, through the NFFF I have met so many of the wonderful people who work in our Industry.
What do you like least about the business?
The hours, I have made many sacrifices over the years, but you have to to be successful. I also think it’s important that you lead your team, especially at busy times of the week.
What’s your favourite Fish & Chips shop restaurant and why?
Probably The Magpie in Whitby, I visit Whitby a few times a year, and always go to The Magpie, I very rarely eat fish and chips though, my favourite meal there is shared starters of mussels and calamari, followed by grilled halibut, samphire, garlic potatoes and lemon and chive butter!
What’s the best thing that happens in Fish & Chips every year?
I’ve got to say the National Fish and Chip Awards. I’m currently involved in the relaunch of the Awards through the NFFF, where we recognised how important they are for the industry, in raising standards, profiling the
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many hard-working businesses up and down the country and of course celebrating their success. There are also many friendships that are formed over the years. I urge everyone to get involved!
What your specialist Mastermind subject?
Leeds United- the Bielsa Years!
What is always in your fridge?
Dark chocolate, a family favourite but it’s not mine!
What’s your favourite film?
Probably The Shawshank Redemption, I think it was the first film I ever watched that was thought provoking but made me laugh and cry. Saying that I love a good musical, so Les Miserables or The Greatest Showman are also top of my list.
What was your first job?
My Sunday morning paper round, my bag was so heavy filled with the big thick Sunday papers and supplements I had to use a wheelbarrow to manoeuvre around the houses!
Who do you admire most?
My Mum and Dad, but especially my dad for never having a Friday night off for 20 years, the sacrifices they made and the risks they took to build our family business into what it is today.
What is your biggest indulgence?
Although I might not look like I go to the gym multiple times a week, I love my gym membership, and PT sessions. I don’t regard them as an indulgence though, more a necessity for my sanity and my health!
What’s your worst character trait?
Procrastination, but this is mainly in my private life at home, on a plus I’m pretty organised at work, and can be a bit of a dog with a bone on certain tasks!
Where is your favourite holiday destination?
Anywhere with plenty of snow, probably Whistler being my favourite ski resort, I’m an avid skier, I always say my ski holidays are the only time I truly get away from everything at home.
Best day of your life?
I’ve been blessed with a lovely family and have some great memories of the places I have travelled, so it would be hard to pinpoint one in particular. I continue to strive to live life to the full, so it may happen yet!
What’s your favourite tipple?
Perrier Jouet Blason Rose Champagne.
What’s your hidden talent?
I’m a grade 8 flautist and used to travel Europe with North Yorkshire County Band as a teenager!
When were you most embarrassed?
Ripping my skirt on the school field aged 14 after getting birthday bumps!
What’s your earliest memory?
Locking myself in the toilet at my sister’s birthday party aged 3
What song would you like played at your funeral?
Sweet Caroline, although I really am far from being sweet, I’m sure it would raise a smile!
Tell us something people don’t know about you?
Although I rarely have time to horse ride these days, I have ridden from a young age having my own ponies from my teens, I even once spent a Summer in America teaching horse riding at a camp in Maine.
