Last month the founder and owner of OAPSchat, Jan Rosser, got in touch with us to ask if she could evaluate our clothes for her website. We were delighted and quickly agreed. Once she received our Summer Raincoat, Printed Jersey Top and Classic Trousers she took to the streets of Hereford, her local city, to test them out.
Jan loved our clothes and wrote a great review which you can read here >
We really liked the ethos of OAPSchat, a website founded to bring people together and to provide helpful information on a variety of subjects.
Its lovely founder, Jan, agreed to do an exclusive interview for us on all things OAPSchat and the intriguing life of a blogger.
Why did you start OAPSchat?
"One lunchtime, my family and I were talking about the lack of websites for over fifty-fives, so I decided to look into this more thoroughly. There are a few, but they are celebrity based or specific to grandparents, etc. I was a full-time carer for my mother for a few years before she died in September 2014 and caring, as I am sure many or your readers will agree, is a lonely occupation and one can become isolated. Loneliness is a scourge on our society and I wanted to try and reach out to people via an online magazine."
"So I decided to launch the OAPSchat Facebook page to post and comment about the silver and golden years. A blog was set up and I started to write weekly columns on health, money, lifestyle issues, relationships memories and much more. The Facebook page grew slowly at first, but gradually I was having more and more likes. The Daily Mail mentioned me twice in 2013 and more likes followed (to date, there are over 1430 likes). It was in November 2013 that I decided I had enough material and confidence to launch the website."
What does a typical day involve for you?
"I start work at around 8am and look at the online papers for up-to-date news that is of interest to OAPSchatters. My main article of the day is published around 9am and shared on the OAPSchat social media platforms. The rest of the morning is spent writing up new articles or researching companies that may be of interest to the website. I try to have an hour’s walk after lunch and then answer any emails that have come in. I usually stop at 5pm and then maybe another walk after tea; weather permitting! Now I have my fabulous waterproof raincoat from Cotswold Collections; there is no excuse not to go outdoors if it is wet!"
What is your favourite breakfast?
"Bran flakes and a good quality muesli, plus two cups of tea!"
Where do you like to visit?
"I love Devon and have family living in Exeter. Exmouth is a super place with a fabulous beach. I used to like visiting a small fishing village in Almeria in southern Spain, but don’t like flying anymore, so I want to explore more of the UK."
Favourite place in the Cotswolds?
"That is a hard one! The most recent place I have visited is Tewkesbury with its glorious abbey and quaint streets. I used to like taking my children to Bourton-on-the-Water when they were younger too."
What do you do in your spare time?
"I am part of a super, local choir: The Helen Vereker Singers. We practice on a Monday evening for 2 hours and we also perform in concerts at various venues. Music of all types is a love of mine and I often have some classical music on in the background when I am working. I also like walking and riding my electric bike. Reading is another hobby of mine, but I tend to do that when I go to bed."
What is your favourite Cotswold Collections item?
"That is a hard question to answer as there are so many super items to choose from. I would say my raincoat at the moment. I have had many compliments from people when I am wearing it!"
What is the best thing about OAPSchat and becoming a blogger?
"Becoming self-employed was the best thing I ever did. I launched OAPSchat in November 2013 as a way of alleviating loneliness and I think I have helped some members through the website by creating new friendships and introducing like-minded people to each other. The internet is 24/7 so anytime is ‘suitable’ to log-on and read some of the various articles I have published - 1370 to date and going up every day! I also love evaluating products for companies. It is amazing to think that I have thousands of visitors every day from all corners of the world!"
"If your readers would like to join the website and like my OAPSchat Facebook page, I would love to welcome them on board."
To visit the OAPSchat website click here >
To like the OAPSchat Facebook page click here >
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