Getting to Know... Victoria Bull

Victoria Bull is a reporter for the Gazette and Herald Express, having joined the team two years ago after finishing university and journalism training. She currently lives in Grovehill with her mum, stepdad and labrador Oskar.


1. What is your favourite food?

I love anything Mexican, so a fiery chilli con carne or burrito feast. I’d love to be able to cook more authentic dishes like those at London chain Wahaca – one of my favourite places to eat.

2. What’s the most played song on your iPod?

I have an eclectic music taste – right now it’d be anything from George Ezra, Ed Sheeran or Ben Howard to One Direction! I’m getting in the festive spirit now though, so Michael Buble’s Christmas album is making a big comeback.

3. Favourite quote?

I’m not sure who it’s attributed to, but there’s a saying that ‘journalists write the first draft of history’. That’s possibly a little bold for the community reporting we do at the Gazette, but local newspapers are important and I love the idea that what we publish now can be referenced again in the future.

4. What is your favourite thing to do to relax?

I was a big reader but haven’t devoted as much time to books as I’d like to this year. Catching up with friends over dinner is always a great way to unwind.

5. Thing you hate doing the most?

I don’t enjoy driving, especially on long journeys alone. It seems like wasted time – and don’t even get me started on rush hour traffic.

6. If you could have 5 famous people for dinner past or present – who and why?

I don’t think people consider the overall ambience of the dinner party when they answer this. I think Guardian writer Charlie Brooker, musical comedian Tim Minchin, illusionist Derren Brown and Ant and Dec would get on really well, and I’d love to speak to all of them. If we’re counting the Geordie duo as one guest (you wouldn’t invite them separately!) I’d add in Becks.

7. If you knew the world was ending in 2014, what would you do differently?

Try and get all my family together in one room. Something like that may make people realise that life is too precious for animosity and bad feelings.

8. If you could witness any event past, present or future, what would it be and why?

I’d have to go back to the beginning to find out exactly how we all got here.

9. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Genuinely – a newspaper reporter.

10. What was the last film you watched?

The Impossible – based on the true story of a family in the aftermath of the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami. Incredible to think that was almost 10 years ago.

11. What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever done?

Physically it would be the 18-mile Chilterns Three Peaks Challenge, referenced in this very column by my colleague Natalee Hazelwood last week. I’m not at all athletic and my legs almost gave up on me!

12. What’s the best/worst gift you’ve ever given/received?

I always wear jewellery – two rings and a bracelet – given to me my best friends and mum. I was also surprised with a trip to Dublin for my birthday recently, which I’m very excited for!

13. How would you like to be remembered?

As a positive person, who can be relied on for good fun and helpful advice.

14. What is your favourite thing to do or place to visit in Dacorum?

Walking my dog on our scenic route through Piccotts End.