Plymouth Lives: Geoff Read
Name: Geoffrey N. Read (Geoff)
And what do you do?: Acting Chair and Company Secretary of the Devon and Cornwall Food Association (DCFA) and Chair and Secretary of the Plymouth Laryngectomy Club (PLC) - a cancer support group.
How would you describe yourself in five words?
Old-fashioned but modern and upbeat.
How would you describe Plymouth in five words?
Delightfully slow in a superb setting.
What brought you to Plymouth?
I was posted to Plymouth with Headquarters 24th Infantry Brigade at Crownhill Fort on the withdrawal of British Forces from Aden (now Yemen) in September 1967.
Which part of Plymouth is home?
Keyham, close to the Dockyard.
What is your favourite place in Plymouth?
Dartmoor outside; the Barbican inside the city.
What is your favourite Plymouth event?
The Christmas Market.
What was the last live performance you saw in Plymouth and where did you see it?
Phantom of the Opera at the Theatre Royal in 2012.
Favourite place to eat out in or near Plymouth?
Being a Cancer Laryngectomee (no voice box) I now find it difficult to eat solid food, so rarely eat out these days. Prior to my operation in January 2009 a favourite eating house was The Village, a Greek-Cypriot restaurant on the Barbican.
Best coffee in town?
The Rock Salt Bistro at Stonehouse.
Favourite pub?
For the same reasons given above, I rarely visit a pub these days. However, prior to my op, The Ford Hotel (formerly the Ford Pub) used to be my local.
Favourite locally produced food or drink?
Fresh Fish from Moby Nicks on the Fish Quay in Plymouth.
Favourite shop?
The Londis Shop on Station Road in Keyham. Sells everything that you have forgotten to buy!
Favourite shopping area?
As a traditional man I loathe shopping so I really don’t have a favourite… anywhere!
Plymouth Argyle or Plymouth Albion?
Argyle.
Beach or moors?
I love both but the moors are preferable.
What or where is Plymouth's best kept secret?
If I told you I would have to shoot you! But for me it is the Rock Salt Bistro at Stonehouse. Absolutely spot on! Wouldn’t attempt to explain it… it’s something you would have to find out for yourselves!
What one change would you like to see in Plymouth?
I would have the dirty, grey buildings and houses cleaned. I would also plant trees in avenues and make them “avenues” once again!
Who is your local hero or heroine?
Father Sam Philpot who was awarded the MBE a couple of years ago and is recently retired. He did so much work for the down and outs in the city.
Do you belong to any local clubs or societies?
Plymouth Laryngectomy Club (PLC) – a cancer support group.
What are you up to next?
As a founder member of DCFA, I would like to continue my voluntary work and to expand the operation into Cornwall and into the more rural areas of Devon where we can help the disadvantaged with free food saved from landfill and/or anaerobic digesters.
If you are interested in becoming a friend or volunteer with the Devon and Cornwall Food Association (DCFA), either in Plymouth or Exeter, contact Geoff Read or visit the DCFA website at www.devonandcornwallfoodassociation.org
Membership of the DCFA is free.
DCFA on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Devon-Cornwall-Food-Association-DCFA/190586610995140
Would you like to be featured in Plymouth Lives? Email matthew@thedailyuk.com for more details.
