People of Portishead An interview with BBC weather girl Jemma Cooper Many of you will know Jemma from our TV screens as Points West’s weather presenter and also for her part as co-organiser of Portishead’s annual carnival. Either way, Jemma is a passionate and active member of her community.
How long have you lived in Portishead? Since I was 4 years old. Even though my parents are not originally from Portishead, I still consider myself a true Portishead girl. Where were you educated? In those days it was known as Slade Road School but it was Portishead Primary, which has now moved to new premises in Station Road. I then went to Gordano, moving on to Weston Technical College for A’levels before taking a degree at Northumbria University. I took a post graduate diploma in journalism whilst working at the Newcastle Evening Chronicle. Do you have any family and/or pets? I live with my Mum and my Gran and our dog LuLu. My Grandma will be 101 years old in November, which is I believe, due to all the love and care my mum has given her over the years. I also have a brother called Farrel who lives in Portishead with his girlfriend Sam. What are your favourite places in Portishead? Because I have a dog, my two favourite places are the walk along the cliffs between Portishead and Clevedon and the nature reserve just off Sheepway. I also love the Lake Grounds and the open air pool. What are your favourite past times? As a weather presenter, I work shifts which can limit my recreational activities. I love walking LuLu, enjoy going to Bikram Yoga, keeping fit and going to music festivals. Some of my time is taken up making public appearances and of course there’s the carnival to organise. Is there anything you’d like to see improve in Portishead, if so what? I’d love to see the railway up and running, it would make a massive difference. I’d also like to see a venue where DJ’s and bands could play gigs to large audiences.
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