Caroline Bondy is a Founder Trustee and Governor of the West London Free School in Hammersmith. She lives in Acton with her husband Toby Young and their four young children. Caroline was educated in both the independent and state sectors before going to the London School of Economics. She qualified as a solicitor in 2003 — the same year her first child was born. Caroline now spends her time as a full-time mother. She is an active member of the PTA and volunteers as a classroom helper at her children’s school.
Where are you right now?
I am sitting at the kitchen table eating the chocolate coins I bought for the children’s stockings. I suppose I will have to put them back on the list.
Where is your favourite place to eat in West London?
Money-no-object it would be The River Café especially for lunch on a summer’s day – sitting under a tree in dappled sunshine sipping Prosecco, a gentle breeze coming off the river . . . . But back to reality I love Tosa which is a great Japanese restaurant on King Street in Hammersmith.
Career and children – top tip on how do you do it?
I feel incredibly blessed that I don’t do it. I am in awe of women who manage a job and children. I don’t think I have the organizational skills or the energy. I feel like a PA, chef, chauffeur and maid to four very demanding Managing Directors of global companies as it is and I don’t think I could cope with a job on top of that.
What do you do for ‘me-time’?
I exercise – possibly in a slightly mad, addicted sort of a way!
If you had to make a quick escape where would you go?
When the children were younger I did sometimes feel the need to escape. I don’t really anymore. However if I did my bolt hole remains the same – I would go to my parents.
What is on your bedside table?
About three alarm clocks in various states of disrepair – the children seem to find the removal of batteries and button pressing endlessly amusing – and a book called “All That I Am” which I highly recommend
…and three things you’d take with you to a desert island?
Family, limitless wine and chocolate.
Who would you most like to meet for a drink?
That’s such a hard question because you can’t say anyone you know as that would be boring and anyone famous would be a bit embarrassing! But maybe I could get over that for a drink with the victorious Freddie Flintoff who is looking pretty good right now!
What is your greatest extravagance?
Going out to eat. I am not a natural cook and I can’t stand washing up.
What is your favourite thing to do as a family?
Going out for a late lunch after an energetic morning and then going to the cinema.
Caroline was talking to Annabelle King.
