Little Black Dress Author: Julie Cohen

1. I helped with the sheep farming in Ireland when I was growing up. Nowadays I prefer my lamb served in a stew, with mint sauce.

2. In a karate competition I once fought the coach of the British team. He punched me on the nose; I kicked him in the head. I won a full point off him and a big hug afterwards.

3. I can say 'Tea or coffee?' in a dozen languages. I'm also pretty fluent in 'Chicken or fish?' and 'Please fasten your seat belt.'

4. In Africa I learned that shining a torch into the eyes of a lion will make it run away. I have never had an opportunity to try this.

5. I am a huge fan of the cloak-like black abaya worn by women in the Middle East. I wear one whenever I can, with my pyjamas under it, on the school run.