What makes the West Country "home" to you?

I love the place and the people. I never tire of coming home to Bath and find that I am inspired by the people who live here. .

How do you relax?

Reading a great book and ignoring the hubbub of daily life.

When and where are you happiest?

At home in Bath with John, my husband.

What's your earliest memory?

The smell of breakfast rolls at my Grandma's house in Scotland.

What makes you laugh?

Laughter – I love laughing with friends to the point of tears.

What do you dream of?

At the moment my dreams are a bit out there as we're expecting our first child this summer – strange dreams that only mums and pregnant women will believe!

What is your greatest fear?

Losing any of the people I love.

Who do you admire, living or dead, and why?

William Wilberforce – he always stayed true to what he believed and never stopped trying to make a difference.

What is your worst habit?

Worrying – I can worry too much about things that just aren't that important.

What possession could you not live without?

There is no one possession that I couldn't live without as I try not to get too attached to things. I think the things that are most precious to me aren't things that I possess.

What is your greatest frustration?

People who don't try, and give up easily.

What is your favourite book?

Charlotte's Web by E B White – I loved it when I was a child and I love it even more as an adult.

What is your favourite word?

Yes – possibilities are endless when you learn to say yes more.

What would you choose to eat and drink at your last meal?

Sausage and mash with a large glass of Italian red wine – heaven!

What or who is the love of your life?

John and my family – without family and sense of what is central to life, I don't think I would be able to achieve what I do and appreciate it when it happens.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

My husband, John; Stephen Fry because he makes me laugh so much and I can never imagine getting bored of his conversation; Karen Armstrong because she's an amazing ambassador for diversity and understanding; Audrey Hepburn because she was a goddess in every sense; Barack Obama for so many reasons that it seems silly to try and list them; and Jamie Oliver so that he could cook!

What law would you introduce if you were in charge?

Politeness – just being nice to each other makes everything so much better and easier.

What single thing would improve your life?

I don't think a single thing could improve my life – I am a true believer in the fact that if you want to improve something or do something differently you just need to to take the plunge.

What is your greatest achievement?

I hope it is still to come! I am very lucky and have achieved many goals in my life so far and the festival is a great example of this.

What talent do you wish you had?

I would love to be able to draw illustration. I'm a huge admirer of illustration in children's books and the way it brings the text alive.

How would you like to be remembered?

As a good person who always did her best and thought of others.

■ The festival runs from September 18-27 at various venues in Bath including the Guildhall and Bath Central Library. For more information and tickets call 01225 463362.