I absolutely LOVE being involved in amateur dramatics!

Last year, for the first time I was involved in the nativity play.  I was a farmyard animal standing by the manger.  And I stole the show - no surprise there then.

But this year, oh joy, I've been promoted to shepherd, so I'm getting into character.  Keep your eyes open for me at the Oscars in the New Year.

Some wonderful heroes have emerged during the last several months – Captain Tom and Marcus Rashford are two good examples. I was lucky to be able to interview one of my very own heroes for this blog.  This is what she had to say.

Hi, I’m Rosie. I’m a Golden Doodle and I live at Dogs Trust at West Calder, near Edinburgh. Until Sparky asked to interview me, I didn’t realise how alike we look! We are now soul sisters! Actually, I do have a nickname – Roo Roo! I love West Calder, because I get time to bounce around the assault course and I love playing Hide And Seek with my carers.

However, I must admit that I’m nervous around people I don’t know, which is why life here suits me, at least for the time being.  My carers know all my little quirks - especially my love of Schmackos!

On a more serious note: Dogs Trust - formerly known as the National Canine Defence League – is a charity doing fantastic work with dogs who do not have a home – in some cases because their owners have decided to give them up – and the number of cases of that has risen significantly during the pandemic. Where it is possible a new home will be found for these, but sometimes Dogs Trust take on dogs which for one reason or another cannot be rehomed. They never put a healthy dog down, so in these cases Dogs Trust is their sanctuary for the rest of their days.

Many people help by sponsoring a dog – Rosie is actually sponsored by my wife. Please consider doing this, or helping in some other way, if you are able. The Dogs Trust website can be seen at https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/

During the lockdown, many people have just sat and worked. It's important to still do other things.

One thing I like to do, and one which amuses my family and friends, is to do impressions.  I may not be Jon Culshaw, but I am quite good at it.  Here I am doing one which family and friends find particularly amusing.  It is my impression of Kenneth Branagh when he appeared in the Opening Ceremony for the 2012 London Olympics.  You're doing well if you can spot which is which.

Today was my first day at work.  I felt really nervous first thing in the morning but I need not have worried.  Everyone was so nice to me, I got several breaks outside and our canteen served me a great lunch of tripe and kibble!  The only problem with a lunch like that is, it makes me want to doze off in the afternoon...

Anyway, my job description has been sorted out and I'm very happy.  It seems I will be very much a publicity member of the team and will help to maintain our company blogs.  Keep watching this space and follow us to see how I do over the next several months.