Plymouth Lives: Alison Seabeck
Name: Alison Seabeck
And what do you do? Member of Parliament
How would you describe yourself in five words?
Hard working, happy, conscientious, caring.
How would you describe Plymouth in five words?
Sydney in the South West.
What brought you to Plymouth?
A job.
Which part of Plymouth is home?
St Budeaux
What is your favourite place in Plymouth?
The top of the hill on Victoria Road as you get a view of the Dockyard on one side and the unsullied Tamar estuary on the other. The best of both worlds. I always feel like I am home when I reach that point and have that view.
What is your favourite Plymouth event?
Remembrance Day because it says so much about Plymouth, its history and its population.
What was the last live performance you saw in Plymouth and where did you see it?
Lulu (the opera not the sixties pop star) at the Theatre Royal.
Favourite place to eat out in or near Plymouth?
Royal William Yard - so much choice.
Best coffee in town?
Don’t do coffee.
Favourite pub?
Seven Stars, Tamerton Foliot.
Favourite locally produced food or drink?
Plymouth Gin and Langage ice cream.
Favourite shop?
Don’t really have one as I hate shopping!
Favourite shopping area?
Drake’s Circus as it's all so convenient but the independent sector is great for choice and variety.
Plymouth Argyle or Plymouth Albion?
Oooh a tricky one – I love all sport but tend to go to Argyle more often. Love the Green Army.
Beach or moors?
Both
What or where is Plymouth's best kept secret?
Plymouth has so many secrets – just discovered the oldest dockyard housing anywhere in the country is hidden away in Devonport Dockyard. Devonport Heritage Centre has so many items which are rarely seen.
What one change would you like to see in Plymouth?
Its transport links so that many more people could, more easily, visit our great city.
Who is your local hero or heroine?
So many great people have lived in or passed through Plymouth and there are so many people who, on a daily basis, are doing amazing work without seeing themselves as either heroes or heroines. Really not sure who to pick out but Lady Astor as the first woman to take her place in Parliament has to be someone who in my field of work, stands out; as does Michael Foot for his writing and integrity.
Do you belong to any local clubs or societies?
I am in many ways privileged to have access to a large number of groups and have direct links to the YMCA, Lupus group and scouts. Sadly I don’t have time at the end of a 60-plus hour week to actually take part in activities directly.
What are you up to next?
Getting on the sleeper train to come to Plymouth, sadly no berths, so probably not much sleeping either!!
Alison Seabeck is the MP for Plymouth Moor View.
