Bitterne Parker

Chris Sams was born in Lincoln, moved to Midanbury in 1965, and says she became a resident of Bitterne Park when she married in 1972. After working as a bank clerk, raising two daughters, and then a 25-year stint as a teaching assistant at Bitterne Park Junior School, Chris decided to write a children’s book, ‘Miss Smith's Mystery’. It’s about Toby, a six-year-old who sets off to solve the mystery of his missing teacher who fails to return to the classroom after lunch.

The Qs & the As

What’s your link with Bitterne Park?

I’ve been a resident here for 42 years, and my husband has always lived here.

What’s your earliest memory of the area?

Walking my brother’s dog to get to know the area.

How could the area be better?

Somewhere for youngsters to go to have an indoor club or sports facility without leaving the area.

Tell us something we probably didn’t know already about Bitterne Park.

Where the secondary school is was once a brickworks.

What’s good about the wider city?

Southampton has good shops, an interesting history and is a great port.

What’s your passion in life?

My family and my faith.

How do you put bread on your table?

Fortunately, I am retired.

What has your career taught you?

That all children are different and learn at different rates.

What really gets your goat?

Impatient drivers!

How do you relax?

I knit and sew, play the piano a bit, read a lot and enjoy puzzles of various kinds.

What’s your favourite dish?

Roast dinner.

Which is your favourite pub?

The one I am most likely to go to is The Drummond Arms in Portswood.

What are you drinking?

Usually orange juice, but I enjoy red wine.

What do you listen to?

Sixties music when it’s on, but I like Olly Murs.

Can you recommend a really good read?

Any historical novel by Philippa Gregory.

What’s a great day out?

A trip to Kew Gardens.

What scares you?

Horror films

Tell us a secret.

I don’t have secrets.

Finally, what would be another great question for other Bitterne Parkers?

What do you do for your community?

Thanks so much for taking part!

Tune in next time when another Bitterne Parker answers our searching questions. But before then, do you know a Bitterne Parker we really should feature? If so, please nominate them by emailing us using the contact form, and we'll do our best. No promises, mind. 

Miss Smith's Mystery’ is on Amazon here. 

Read about other Bitterne Parkers

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