Spotlight on…Karen Catto

Karen has been with K&H since 2002

Karen Catto has been with K&H since 2002. She’s one of our Admin team, working three mornings per week.

Can you remember your first pay cheque?
Yes, I got paid weekly. £13 per week and out of that I had to pay my Mum for my keep, bus fares etc. With my second pay packet I was able to buy my first pair of jeans.

What was the most expensive thing you ever bought?
It was a winter coat which cost £245 but in the sale it was £145 in Debenhams in Cardiff. This was a lot of money 23 years ago but I felt it was a bargain!

Have you had a good experience with any company recently?
Yes – Next. The staff were so helpful – they were more than happy to go and get another size when I was in the changing room, or to order in another size or colour. I always find them very polite and helpful.

Have you got a money-saving tip?
Don’t spend it! Impulse buying is bad – thank goodness shops take things back!

Do you have a favourite place in Britain?
Cruden Bay in Aberdeenshire, where my Dad was brought up. It’s a little harbour with beautiful golden sands and fishing boats, and the ruins of Slaine Castle in the background. It’s just perfect.

You did some ‘Extras’ work last year, didn’t you?
Yes, actually it’s nearly two years ago now.  I had a walk-on part in a TGI Fridays Christmas advert for the internet, and a Mail on Sunday TV advert.  I was also seen riding on the model railway at Bekonscot Model Village in the comedy Mutual Friends, which was great fun.  I haven’t done anything for a while and intend to sign up with an agency again soon.

Any other favourite pastimes?
I like travelling and have just returned from Morocco and going to Portugal later this month.  I would love to visit Egypt to see the Pyramids.  I also very much enjoy netball and Pilates but am taking a break at the moment.  I’ve recently taken on an allotment which is taking up a lot of spare time.

How was your harvest from your allotment?
Well, considering that I am a novice at all this I feel I did really well.  I had a really good crop of runner beans, broad beans, marrow, courgettes and potatoes.

Any short-term plans?
De-clutter my house – this is an ongoing project!

Karen lives in Theale with her partner Alan, and children Stuart and Natalie (who are twins) and Madeleine.