Roselin D’Costa runs an up-and-coming home-based catering business called Shantana’s which specialises in business lunches and parties with an unusual flair.

The difference is she uses her Goan culinary expertise to create an impact with colour and flavour, especially in her curries which use a lot of coconut and fresh chillies to enhance her special Goan flavours, likewise with her home-made samosas.

Her speciality is her green sandwiches, which use a secret ingredient to make them an unusual alternative to the everyday business lunch.

And Roselin boasts a three star award for catering and food hygiene, so you know you are getting value for money.

Contact Roselin through www.shanatanas.co.uk or on 07930 371524

This cape is special because it is a most carefully preserved example of its kind. Each nurse received the soldier’s badges when they died as mementoes, and they sewed them on the inside of their capes (the red side) as a very private gesture. This particular cape shows badges from English, Irish, Scottish, Welsh, French, Australian, New Zealand, Indian and Polish soldiers, and probably some more that haven’t been recognised, but one of them is Diane’s Princess Mary Nursing Corp badge.

Because the cape is still in such good condition, and considered the best example seen, the family have donated it to the Medical Military Museum at Aldershot, where it will be brought out on display for special exhibitions, otherwise suitably stored to expertly preserve it for future generations to remember.

Alison took photographs of this cape before it was passed on to the Museum, so that there was photographic evidence of it being worn by Jan, Diane’s daughter, even if it is inside out!

Lorna Weller has recently launched herself as a virtual assistant.  She is also a Mum, a great friend and the most camera shy person I know!  After a cup of tea and a bit of persuasion that even at 40+ she really did need a photo of her on her website I found a spot in my garden and took this image.  It certainly makes her more approachable than the arty shot of a pot of pencils she was going to ‘hide’ behind!

Read on and you will see as well as having a wonderful bubbly personality Lorna has a wealth of experience in business so please bear her mind the next time you need a solution to your admin problems.  You can call her on 07940 198980 or email lorna.weller@googlemail.com

 Where were you born?

Greenock, Scotland and I still feel as excited as I did as a child any time I go “north of the border”.

Where do you live?

Bourne End, Bucks – living by the Thames calls to me on a summer’s day.

Favourite Place to Eat?

Now I’ve reached 40+  I try to arrange a real treat once or twice a year and Sunday lunch at Cliveden has proved a great favourite – combining the grandeur and luxury of the dining experience with such a lovely setting and the choice of following lunch with a stroll through the grounds, or tea in the library.

What do you do?

After working for the last 18 years as a senior PA at a subsidiary of ICI in Slough where I joined to work for the Managing Director, I was made redundant at the beginning of the year.   I have really enjoyed having some time out and am now setting up as a Freelance PA / Virtual Administrator.   I am finding that my vast experience of office procedures, PC skills and event management are just as useful to small local businesses.   I love the diversity of working with different small businesses, by helping with their admin, routine or otherwise, it frees them up to do what they do best, and of course I love the flexibility it gives me.  I can be contacted at lorna.weller@googlemail.com.

What is your favourite movie?

Out of Africa – I’d let Robert Redford wash my hair any day!

Favourite Food?

Dare I say mint chocolate chip ice cream, but to prove I do have some sophistication my favourite drink is definitely champagne.

Best piece of advice?

Always smile when answering the phone – even if you can’t be seen the tone is instantly set.

What was the last book you read?

An hilarious booked called “I don’t know how she does it”; about a city broker juggling life as a working mother.   It was full of recognisable situations in a working mother’s life.

What is your favourite holiday destination?

Where do I start? – I had the most amazing time on a safari in Kenya which literally was a dream come true.   A couple of years ago I had a wonderful holiday with a couple of best friends and our kids at a villa in Spain – just playing in the pool all day or snoozing in the olive grove – bliss!  But I couldn’t possibly not mention Scotland with all its rugged beauty.

What do you hate most?

The increase in gun/knife crime, and the fact that so many kids get involved in alcohol/drugs – it’s a huge worry for parents.  We do, however, have to learn to let them go although we will always worry about them.

What do you value most?

My friends.   Childhood friends – we have supported each other through our own teens, marriages, divorces, children.  Local friends I’ve met through the children’s schools and friends from my marriage that I see infrequently but nevertheless still have a strong bond with.

Who or What has been the biggest influence on your life?

My mother – although she died when I was only 10 I think of her as a real go-getter.   In her youth she played hockey for Scotland, was a county tennis and badminton player and loved mountain climbing (something I’d be absolutely terrified to do).  She was a Land Girl during  WW2 and I wish she’d lived long enough to share her memories with me.  I know she wouldn’t take no for an answer, thought there was a solution to every problem and was always positive.  Unfortunately, she died aged 45 of breast cancer before they had the treatments they do now.   I try to remain true to some her beliefs and principles.