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Janet Simpson - A Driving Force
Janet’s passion for four-wheels was gleaned for those early days on the family farm driving the farm’s John Deer Tractor.
“My enthusiasm for four wheels grew soon after teaching myself to skilfully drive the farm tractor, but thanks goes to my late father Alf for teaching me to drive a car at the age of 12 and finally to pass my test in a 10 horsepower old Rover.” |
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At the age of 33, Janet became a member of the Preston and District Vintage Car Club after purchasing a 1935 Austin Seven. Janet has many happy memories of all her cars including a 1921 red Wolsey and a Sunbeam. |
| However, the most prominent memory was when in 1995 Janet took part in the Diamond Jubilee Lagonda Rally where she was the only lady driver to drive three laps around the famous Le Mans track. |
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Ten years later May 2005, Janet and her 1935 Lagonda was invited to take part in The Royal Windsor St. George’s Day Festival of Aston Martin, which marked the beginning of the celebrations of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II eightieth birthday. Janet Treks
During the last few years Janet has been fortunate enough to be able to take time out in order to give something back to the local community and support the area in which the Gibbon Bridge has evolved.
Today Janet’s generosity towards charities both locally and nationally has become well known and remains an important value at the core of the Gibbon Bridge Hotel. Janet is no novice to taking part in major charity challenges and has been involved in the following four treks over the last few years.
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October 1998
Janet cycled 250 miles across ~ Eastern Uganda in aid of Leonard Cheshire Homes and raised over £3,000 |
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February 1999
Janet took part in the Nepal Hike Away in aid of Scope. Robert accompanied Janet and they travelled 100km. Together they raise over £6,000.
September 1999
Janet and Howard cycled 400km through the Grand Canyon to raise money for Scope |
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May 2004 – Janet and an old friend Karen, to mark the 21 st Birthday of The Gibbon Bridge raised thousands of pounds in aid of Scope and trekked the awesome journey of the Inca Trail.
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Health and Fitness obviously plays an important role in Janet’s life and in the life of the hotel. Janet has travelled far and wide to learn about healthy cooking and a healthy way of life. Taking her inspiration from such destinations as Thailand, Australia, Hawaii and more recently South Africa. Janet’s Al fresco cooking has been influenced by her travels around the world. |
It is also no surprise that another of Janet’s passions is the garden at The Gibbon Bridge. Janet insists that as many seasonal herbs, vegetables and fruits are used in the hotel’s menus as possible. The hotel also enjoys a wealth of local produce including Bowland Lamb and Lancashire cheeses and Janet sources as much regional produce as possible.
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