Cllr Rev Canon Ann Easter

Since my brief career as a nurse – which was an unmitigated disaster; I talked too much, asked too many questions and made disparaging remarks about the culture of the hospital, but that’s several stories for another time – I have always been interested in health. I was angry to discover that Newham people actually have a shorter life expectancy than folk in Essex; according to the 2011 census, twice as many people in one of our Newham wards describe themselves as ‘in very bad health’ than in more affluent areas. And while I am prepared to accept that some of it is down to the East End belief that shopping and raising a glass to the lips are exercise, I regret to say that some of the blame must rest with the authorities concerned.

It’s funny what people think about those of us who wear clerical collars; people have expressed surprise that I use money, that I swear (only those who’ve never met me before!) and that I get fed up and argue with my husband and children, among many other things. And they don’t expect me to be down, gloomy or miserable.

Suddenly, I’m involved in several weddings – and I love it!

No-one, but no-one, was more surprised than I when, in 2007, a thick, embossed envelope addressed to me, bearing the crest of the Royal Household, arrived at my home!