Dialogue 1

I = Interviewer M = Margaret Tyler

I. Margaret, may I ask you what you do for a living?

M. Well, I work for a children's charity. That's a full-time job. And I live in a house, which is called Heritage House.

I. What I can see around me, Margaret, is amazing! How long have you been collecting all this royal memorabilia?

M. Well. I first got interested in the Royal family when 1 saw the wedding of Princess Margaret on TV in 1960. Then I started collecting. I’ve been collecting for eighteen years. The first things I bought were a dish with the Queen's head in the centre and a few Coronation mugs to go with it.

I. What sort of things have you got?

M. Oh, everything! Oh, pictures, paintings, ashtrays, hundreds of mugs, tea-­pots, tea-cloths, biscuit tins, posters, books, flags, toast racks, egg cups, candle sticks, the lot! I've got over four thousand Royal souvenirs.

I. All in this house?

M. All in this house, yes. They're in all the rooms downstairs, and in the four bedrooms upstairs, and in the attic, too.

I. Incredible!

M. It lakes all my spare time to keep everything clean and dusted.

I. Is there one piece that's your favorite?

M. Yes. 1 was desperately upset when Princess Diana and Prince Charles split up, and I wrote to Princess Diana, saying 1 hoped they might get together again. I got a lovely letter back from her Lady-in-Waiting. Sarah Campden, and that's the most important part of my collection.

I. Have you had to spend a lot of money on your collection?

M. Oh, I don't know. I've never thought about It. No, I don't think so.

I. And where do you get it all from?

M. All over the place. I go up and down the country. We have conventions where we swap things. And there are specialist magazines and shops, and... and jumble sales.

I. Is there anything you haven't got that you'd really like to have?

M. Not a thing, but a person. I’d like one of the Royals to visit my house. (Princess Diana was my favourite).

I. Well, I hope your dream comes true! If One ever came to your house, he'd feel very at home.