My Local Life… Sharon Windebank, The Listing
Sharon joined The Listing team in October 2013 and specialises in business development and digital marketing, working with local businesses and organisations. You’ll often see Sharon around town at various networking and community-based events, and also every month she’s out delivering The Listing to our local high street businesses; so be sure to say ‘Hi’ if you see her around! 
Where do you live and how long have you lived there
I live in Royston and am lucky to have the amazing views over Therfield Heath to enjoy, I moved here 15 years ago from Walkern, so I’ve not moved far from my home town (or rather, village).
What do you most like about life in Royston?
When I first moved to Royston, other than the people I worked with at the time at Saffron Insurance and a few family members, I didn’t know anyone. But I’d say almost immediately I settled in and initially made friends through business networking and the gym at the Heath, which is now FightingFit / CrossFit Royston. Many of you will know that I am a keen runner and a member of Royston Runners. I have not only met some fantastic friends but the variety of running (and walking) routes takes living in Royston to another level, as we have so much open countryside on our doorsteps.
I feel Royston is a great community place and everyone is so welcoming and friendly. There’s something for everyone of all ages, and it’s the perfect place for a walk, run or cycle all year round. Being a cinema-lover, I was so pleased when our community cinema opened. They provide a great service to the town, bringing all the up to date films to the big screen and at an affordable price. It’s also nice to get venture out of town sometimes too! Royston has great transport links to Cambridge and London, and flights from Luton and Stansted are close by.
The town centre is growing and we have some nice quirky independent shops, bars and restaurants; I can usually find something in La Bella Vita and Mia Caro whether it be for a gift or myself, although I would love to see some more retail shops – I do miss Chapter Five.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Relaxing in the bath with a book and a glass of wine (of course)
What is the last book you read?
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens – I was hooked from the first couple of pages. It’s a story of survival, of what the depth of loneliness feels like. A young girl is abandoned first by her mother, then her four siblings, and her father went out and didn’t come home. It is a deep and moving book which I will always remember and easily one of the best books I have read so far.
What makes you happy?
Two things come to me straight away:
1. Watching the sunrise and set and seeing all the colours that fill up the sky
2. Taking photos, capturing the moment and making memories
What do you love about your role at The Listing?
Actually I enjoy going to my job every day! I love a little bit of everything — the variety, the planning, the communication with businesses, organisations, the community and our readers. The creative aspects, seeing adverts, articles and the magazines come together each month. The whole process really. I love what I do! I really enjoy working with all businesses and the community, and here at The Listing I get the opportunity to work and speak to so many different types of industries and organisations, helping them to reach their target market, and ensuring they are getting the most out of their advertising and marketing. As you can imagine, no one day or month is ever the same. I also have a supportive boss and team.
What is your most valued possession?
My most valued possession would be memories with loved ones. Most material things can be lost or stolen but the memories we continue to make will be there forever. I make sure to take lots of photos or videos so I can look back at these moments.
What is your favourite place in the world?
Having only spent a week in Madeira I would love to go back and discover more! The island is full of greenery, stunning landscapes and breath-taking views. Levadas, walking, sunbathing, wine and food – what else is needed!
What has been the most valuable life lesson that you have learnt?
Nothing in your life is guaranteed to be there tomorrow, including those you love. Life can change in an instant. Make sure you appreciate what you have, while you still have it.
If you ruled the world, what would you do?
If I ruled the world, even just for one day, no one would suffer. Today, there are people in the world who don’t have the basic necessities, such as somewhere to sleep. I strongly believe you don’t even have to rule the world to help others. A small act of kindness can make a big difference and means a lot more than you think.
