Family, Makeup, Lifestyle, Challenging Ageism, Brand Ambassadors

Our Third Ambassador - Lady Justice Anne Rafferty

November 18, 2016

By Tricia Cusden

I am always looking for opportunities to inspire and interest you in as many different ways that I can. I know you love our videos, our makeovers and our our Street Style Fashion features and (some of my) blogs. I also know that you love our philosophy of only showing real older women who have lived, loved and laughed and this shows in their faces.

A while ago I decided that it would be fun to seek out and interview some higher profile older women who might inspire you in other ways. Our first two Ambassadors showed very clearly that life can take an unexpected and exciting direction even if you are in your fifties or sixties. Sandra Howard went from being a top model in the 1960s to being a political wife in the 1990s to becoming a published author at the age of 65, whilst Nicky Griffin at 56 has become the poster girl for the older generation as a model in fashion campaigns both here and in the USA.

A few weeks ago I was working in our office when Caroline, LFF Customer Services Manager, said "Did you know that one of our customers is a High Court Judge?!" We googled 'Lady Justice Anne Rafferty' and discovered that she is very eminent, one of the very few female Appeal Court Judges, the Chancellor of the University of Sheffield, and she had placed several orders for LFF! So I emailed her and explained about our Ambassadors programme and asked if she would like to be interviewed as part of it. I had a really delightful email back saying (in capital letters) "I WOULD LOVE IT".

Since then she has had an extremely distinguished career, becoming a QC (Queen's Counsel) in 1990 on the same day as her husband, His Honour Brian Barker CBE QC to whom she has now been married for 39 years. Anne was the first woman to become Secretary then Vice-Chairman and Chairman of the Criminal Bar Association. In fact, it is clear from her career profile that she has been the first woman to hold many of the positions she has held. It was her idea to allow children and young people to give part of their evidence by way of video recorded interview, and recently by the whole of their evidence being done in a briefer episode, separated from the trial and with fewer people involved. She was made a High Court Judge in 2000 and was promoted to Lord Justice of Appeal in 2011.

I do hope you also enjoy the video we made. Anne's sharp intellect is very evident, and so is her humour, compassion and the great love she feels for her family. I also think that she looks fabulous and is a wonderful third Ambassador for LFF.

In the interview you will hear that it was not Anne's choice to enter the legal profession. As the academic only child of a headmistress she was told what she must do. My mother was similarly 'persuasive' and I became a school teacher. Anne feels that her mother was right, however that wasn't true in my case and I left teaching at the earliest opportunity. Anne and I were teenagers in the 1960's at a time when opportunities for girls were very limited and few were expected to have a career.

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44 Comment(s)

Sue Dorricott

Apr 20, 2020 18:19

What a wonderful person Anne Rafferty is, she takes after her wonderful mum who was my Head Mistress back in 1968 in Shropshire.

Eleanor

Mar 16, 2020 23:15

I so enjoyed this interview. It was insightful and heart- warming to hear this this highly qualified women open up in such a personal manner.
Thank you Tricia for asking good questions.

Anne Watson

Feb 07, 2017 01:17

Hi , I'm a child of the 50's, attending grammar school through the late 60s and 70s .
I am the eldest of three who grew up on a North East council estate .
My loving parents had very little money . We had no car , phone or even TV until long after most other families .
However , my parents were intelligent people . Dad had been a grammar school boy after the war and it was only circumstance that stopped him going to uni .
All three of us children were bright . As a 14 year old I read a book about a country GP and decided I wanted to be a doctor . The die was cast !!! After that my parents would have no truck at all with any suggestions of doing anything else . Even a degree in Psychology was deemed to be underselling myself !
So it was , in the autumn of 1975 I started Medical school , graduating in 1980 .
The pressure was not overt . It was more a case that they were proud of me and felt I could achieve my dream rather than accepting a less demanding road . I became the first in my family to attend uni or enter medicine .
I still work as a GP , almost 40 years later . I have enjoyed my career and feel I have definitely made a difference in the lives of my patients . Sadly , I was never as ambitious as my parents dreamed . I met my ( also doctor ) husband at my first hospital . I went on to have 4 wonderful kids and succeeded in juggling part time medicine and home very successfully all their school years . They are much loved and have all done really well in their own chosen career . We now have grandchildren .
I never did become the high earning high flyer with the big country house that my mum dreamed of . In that I have certainly disappointed her !!! We live in a modest home in an inner city and I drove a Skoda !!!!
I am grateful to my parents for their belief in me . I could probably have done whatever I wanted with their support .

Feb 06, 2017 07:37

What a great interview (Anne Rafferty) with such an insightful woman. Thank you for posting.
I am the same generation and had little ambition until much older. I wish I had been encouraged more ( or listened more) and built more of a careee. In the end many years in public service seem to have been useful and productive

Hilary Thomas

Jan 29, 2017 17:13

Interested in facial scrub eye liner and colour

triciacusden

Jan 27, 2017 15:14

I can absolutely believe that Richard. Anne is, as you and your wife have found, an exceptional person in so many ways and I was honoured to be able to interview her. It is delightful that her three girls were bridesmaids at your wedding. Triciax

Richard Keenan

Jan 27, 2017 14:48

Really enjoyed your interview with Anne. My wife was nanny to Anne's children and was alone with them when Davina died. Anne was incredibly kind to her, a young girl in her early twenties, and helped her grieving even though her own heart was breaking. Years later we had the pleasure of having the girls as our bridesmaids. She is a magnificent lady and an inspiration to many.

Duffy Hawes

Nov 22, 2016 18:31

I was so lucky that my parents, particularly my father, indulged my passions as much as finances allowed. It wasn't always easy for them, being working class, but my brother and I never felt shorted, only encouraged. When I began a lifelong obsession with marine biology, they made sure I had money for field trips and supplies. They didn't even balk when dead sea animals began showing up in jars on my bedroom bookshelves while most of my friends were mooning over The Beatles. When I joined the drama club at school, they came to every play. I took to the ice at 15 and developed a passion for speed skating. Mom and Dad somehow found the money to buy the custom skates I needed. I carried those skates everywhere I travelled well into my 30's, because you just never know where you'll find an ice rink. They always knew I was college bound, because I craved knowledge like a sponge craves water, but never even suggested I take a typing course, as most of my friends were encouraged to do, "just in case".
With no family funds, I joined the US Navy to pay for college, and with the confidence instilled by my parents, tried for and was accepted as one of the first 4 women to learn to repair the Navy's shipboard computers, this in the early 70's, when women didn't serve on board combat ships. And although I never served at sea, I did meet my husband in the Navy and when our son started school, I finally went to college at the age of 24. I obtained a degree in Zoology with a Marine Ecology minor, but found that with a child and an often-at-sea spouse, I wasn't really able to indulge in the frequent shipboard work my field demanded. But I chose my path and have no regrets, then or now. Raising my son to follow his own dreams was fulfilling in ways I'd never realized when the journey began.
Now I'm 62, retired, and find my greatest joy in watching my 2 youngest grandsons play ice hockey. Taking them to the ice rink and watching them skate reminds me of my own skating days and makes me young again. One of them loves skating as much as I did and wants to play professional hockey, and when he asked if I thought he could, thanks to Mom and Dad, I had my answer ready; "Of course, sweetheart, you can be anything if you want it bad enough. All it takes is lots of hard work and a little luck." Every time I reflect on the eclectic choices I've made and the things I've done, I thank my lucky stars for my parents and their determination to help me follow my dreams, wherever they led me.

Christina Young-Wootton

Nov 21, 2016 13:52

What a lovely interview on so many levels!
I have been a 'friend', followed your progress and articles/blogs for some months now, and have found them so enjoyable to read and truly inspiring!
Really looking forward to trying your make up.
I've recently started my 70th year with an unexpected and interesting excitement ..... I look back on my 'sixties' years and reflect on my life .....also value the lessons learned and personal growth achieved from the experiences both good and bad.
Many congratulations Tricia and thank you so much.
Best wishes.
Christina Young - Wootton

Rowan

Nov 21, 2016 08:24

Most definitely. Though slightly in contrast to Anne R, my father wanted me to study law but I didn`t feel up to it. It seemed a distant and unobtainable world. Now I know it isn`t and my work as a social worker has led me to several pieces of court work and I now think, yes. I certainly could have taken on the academic demands. And yet something in me felt it was out of my reach. Though good for my dad for trying to steer me that way I suppose. I think any girl brought up in the first half of this century and a little beyond, will have felt pressure one way or another.
Not that girls today don`t have them but they are swayed in another way.
This interview was very enlightening and it is inspiring to have a judge as a role model and not the usual overly photographed and much publicised models. So thank you.
Please seek out other women doing serious work. What about Helena Kennedy? She always looks great every time I see her on the Andrew Marr show.

Jane McArdle

Nov 21, 2016 08:22

What an interesting and informative interview with a lady one might imagine to be unapproachable.......Anne was utterly charming and engaging and Tricia proved herself to be a very plausible interviewer!! As always, a very positive weekly blog! Thank you.

Carol

Nov 20, 2016 17:51

Dear Tricia, thank you so much for this wonderful and inspiring interview, what Excellent role models you both are for all women of any age. I can see you doing a documentary on inspirational women
In the future and what a huge sucess that would be. This has been one of the best blogs I have ever read, I intend to save it and watch it again. I do hope you prosper and continue to expand your considerable talents. Thank you, I really appreciate all you are doing for women of our age group.
Warm regards Carol

Elaine

Nov 20, 2016 13:02

I will be 8O on March 2 2017. Oh, I had choices...a a full ride scholarship to Vassar; a full ride scholarship to Washington University St. Louis MO USA) School of Design, but was not allowed to take either. As a girl of the 50's from parents with no vision. I did what they told me.....attend a church related college, get a teaching certificate AND my MRS degree.

Lynne

Nov 20, 2016 11:42

What an inspiring woman Anne Rafferty is. Her advice to young women, all women, is generous and encouraging . Anne's humility shone through.
Thanks to you Tricia for recognising how much your blog readers would appreciate the opportunity to listen to Anne and thank you to Anne for agreeing to taking time out to give the interview.
I was in my 30's when I decided to prove to myself I was capable of more than the careers advisor gave me credit for at 16. It wasn't easy going back into education, managing a home and two children. It was stressful and exhausting but it paid off in enabling me to do a job I loved whilst achieving a Masters Degree was a great personal achievement.
During this time, like Anne, my children and husband always knew they were the most important thing in my life, I planned my work and study around them and they were an amazing support .
In my personal, family included, and professional life I have met the most amazing women whose strength and tenacity has tought me so much. I will always be grateful for the women in my life including those I am no longer in contact with.
Wrinkles and lines are a small price to pay!

Eileen Bennett

Nov 20, 2016 10:59

I left school aged 16 in 1964. Although I had passed my 11 plus and went to grammar school, my parents struggled with the costs of uniform, etc., and I knew I would not be able to go on to university. I attended technical college locally for one year, learned shorthand and typing and office practice and had no problem finding work at the end of my course, having done well. I have been able to get a job at any time during my life, because of the useful qualifications I achieved on leaving school. However, I am sorry I didn't have the chance to take my education farther, and I have enjoyed Open University courses and evening classes to "fill the gap". My parents did their very best for me, and many of my friends of the same era had the same experience as me - I really have no deep-seated regrets. When I attended the recent graduation of my eldest granddaughter, it was a lovely occasion, but I don't envy her one bit! All children seem to expect a university education these days, but we just got on life and I don't think we missed out on too much.

Mary Rose

Nov 20, 2016 10:44

What an inspiring and attractive lady . I want to be Lady Justice Anne Rafferty .?

Wendy Corrigan

Nov 20, 2016 10:01

What a woman of substance! So enjoyed her clear thinking. Thank you for that.

Laura

Nov 20, 2016 06:39

I grew up in the 1960s. My mother wanted me to train as a secretary "so that you will have something to fall back on" and for years told everyone, without asking me, that I was going to be a librarian. When I protested that I had no interest in spending my life cataloging books, she still insisted it was the right career because I loved reading. Instead I gained four degrees in two different disciplines, became a practising barrister, and an Oxford academic. It was my father who understood that I was entitled to strive for a challenging career, not my mother.

Nicola Willcocks

Nov 20, 2016 06:33

Dear Tricia
I have just watched your interview with Lady Justice Anne Rafferty. What a wonderfully inspiring role model for younger women and a joy to listen to. When we read about and see so many attention seeking, egotistical, loud and well, let's not beat about the bush, vile people in public office - it is truly encouraging to learn a little about a successful woman with a strong moral compass, warmth and humanity who is serving with intelligence and wit. She would be welcome round my dinner table any time !

Angela

Nov 20, 2016 05:56

One very classy and lovely Lady

Nov 20, 2016 05:46

What a wonderful interview. Very inspiring and I hope that younger women will learn from this.
As a child growing up in the 40's/50's I'd made up my mind that, given the chance, I would like to go into teaching.
My parents, in particular my father, who placed a great deal of importance on education, encouraged me to follow this path. They had criticism from the wider family who thought my lot in life would follow the well worn path of marriage/children,.. I was lucky to win a scholarship to a school who encouraged all of us (girls & boys) to think about our future lives and what we'd like to do.
Yes, I became a teacher--went to work overseas and met my wonderful husband, who sadly passed away a few years ago. His work took him to many places. I was always able to continue teaching where ever we were living at the time. I have always felt grateful that my parents gave me the same opportunities in life, that were offered to my brother, and to go to a forward thinking school.

Ruth Phillipson

Nov 20, 2016 05:42

A wonderful interview!
My mother was keen for me to leave school at 16 and had lined up a 'nice' joy in a bank,completely disregarding the fact that this held no interest whatsoever for me. My father had more vision despite the limited options available to girls born in war time and encouraged me to continue to A levels and on to London to study education. I adored being a student in 60's London and later taught in schools in London, Australia, Canada and in Hong Kong. Banking, money and finance still hold no interest for me but I loved working with children and in seeing them develop.. The multi cultured international schools in Hong Kong provided a rich teaching experience which I would recommend to anyone with an adventurous outlook!

Jo Michie

Nov 20, 2016 05:40

What a fascinating interview. And hats off to Lady Justice Anne Rafferty for agreeing to do it. Actually this interview should be watched by young women - schoolgirls even - as it is extremely enpowering.
Thank you Tricia - LFF continues to surprise me!

FussyMoo

Nov 20, 2016 04:41

Firstly Tricia - what an inspiring woman Anne Rafferty is. What also struck me was how down to earth she was and how easy to relate to.
As a teenager in the early eighties my step father insisted I take a typing course. His reasoning was that if ever I found myself out of work, I could always find work as a typist! So different times perhaps, but thanks to him, I can touch type with ease and zoom through note taking and e-mails!
University was never an option, it was considered that I should take a professional based route. Changing my mind at the last minute from attending teacher training college, I took a junior role in the tax department of a firm of accountants. Whilst I changed profession and am now a Credit Manager, It gave an incredibly good base to how I deal with all issues of my professional life.
I feel that my parents philosophy was spot on for me.

Mary Gibbons

Nov 20, 2016 04:19

In a somewhat less eloquent use of words...WOW!

Barbara Edwards

Nov 20, 2016 04:05

An interesting interview with a very inspiring woman. I think her story of career choices must have resonated with so many women growing up in the sixties. In fact I had attended a grammar school and was hoping to study medicine. My then headmistress told me not to waste my time as I would almost certainly leave the profession and get married.... I would be much better off training to be a nurse where I could work part time with a family, I did train as a nurse in a large London teaching hospital and had a career that was rewarding and allowed me many opportunities to be the best I could be. I didn't get married till I was in my 30s and 37 years later am still married to the same man with two beautiful daughters. Do I regret not following my head mistress advice. Not really

Carol Brink

Nov 20, 2016 03:06

Thank you Tricia for sharing your conversation with this interesting and inspiring ambassador - a lovely, generous role model for women of every age.

Michèle Cory-Smith

Nov 20, 2016 03:04

I have such admiration for such articulate and attractive women (interviewee and interviewer!). A wonderful interview. Well done, Tricia and your team.

Eve Edwards

Nov 20, 2016 03:04

Wonderful, thank you, I didn't know about that option.

triciacusden

Nov 20, 2016 03:01

Hi Eve - all our videos are subtitled - just click on the 'cc' button at the bottom of the video and they will come up.
Triciax

Sally

Nov 20, 2016 03:00

What an interesting lady, still so relevant to a working woman juggling family and work life - love the ethos of look fabulous forever !

Eve Edwards

Nov 20, 2016 02:59

Hello Tricia and Team
It's wonderful to have another famous role model for the 50+ woman. Is it ever possible for your video's to be subtitled? Tricia's words to camera are very clear but Lady Justice not so. As a hard of hearing person, it would make a lot of difference to the experience as I'm often viewing on an iPhone. Father Christmas please leave an iPad for me. Best wishes Eve in Devon.

Jane Thompson

Nov 20, 2016 02:28

Very inspiring interview. A lovely lady with a great deal of wisdom. Good to hear a very honest account of life from someone in such a high profile position. Thanks LFF for giving us the chance to see interviews like this.

Kathy Sharp

Nov 20, 2016 02:26

What an inspirational lady! She has just made me stop and think carefully about what I'm doing with my life. I was not encouraged to think about a career when I was young - the attitude then was, "Oh, what's the point? You'll just get married and then it'll all be wasted." I truly wish I had set out to prove that wrong. Instead, I married young, and it was a long while before I picked up on my education and found work I enjoyed. In my 50s I returned to an old dream and became a writer. Three published novels later, I am flagging. Anne has just reminded me that the talent you have is less important than what you do with it. So I will get on, and do it! Thank you.

Val O'Brien

Nov 20, 2016 02:12

Amazing interview. Thank you to your team for spotting this delightful lady was a customer. She talks so eloquently, and speaks such a lot of common sense. Thank you so much. What a lovely way to start a morning.

Jill Sofocleous

Nov 20, 2016 01:56

Hi. I'm a 72 (in December!) mum and grandma. Married in 1965, Mived to delapidated bungalow with big garden with husband, 2 children, 2 dogs, 2 cats. 30 years later my daughter divorced an irresponsible Peter Pan compelling her to continue working full time with a 2 year old.

In my 50s, I completely changed direction from office life with regular income and hours and to teaching watercolour painting at my home (painting being an old love from a child) from scratch to those people who had always wanted to learn (which I continue to do) in order for me to be able to take care of my grandson, not without help from my now ex and grown son & his family.

It worked. Grandson is taking A levels, I am due to remarry in April 2017 and in the middle of planning our wedding at Penshurst Place in Kent and my husband to be (also 72) have embarked upon demolishing that, by now, very elderly bungalow and half way through building a beautiful new home.

I consider myself to be well put together - well I must be, I use your cosmetics!

Hope this may be inspirational to others.

Jan

Nov 20, 2016 01:39

What a fantastic women, erudite, gracious and with such an amazing view of the world and her place within it. Add to that her incredible mind and I am blown away. Gives me even more hope for our justice system.
Thank you so much Tricia for the interview.

Diane Carter

Nov 20, 2016 01:38

I don't usually comment like this but just had to say what a brilliant interview with a fascinating lady. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thanks to all involved.

Marilyn

Nov 20, 2016 01:03

Great interview, Interesting woman. What a role model for young people going into any profession. Grounded, centred and unassuming, which, considering the profession she is in, is reassuring that we have judges on the bench with her level of experience and understanding. Today many youngsters believe the 'reality' stars on television and the media are what they should aim for!. I had to leave school at fifteen to help my grandparents (who raised me) financially. I just loved working! By the time I reached 17 I was secretary to the Accounting Director/Controller at House of Fraser (Scotland - in case you hadn't already guessed from my accent........ ) and filled in many times for Sir Hugh Fraser's PA. I moved to England in the mid 80's and eventually opened a business with two colleagues with myself as Sales and Marketing Director. When we sold the company I joined a global IT company and finished my career as EMEA Marketing Director. I absolutely believe, even if you don't have lots of qualifications, you can reach for the stars, if you have the drive and keep faith in yourself and your family and your career and love what you do - if you don't love what you do- apply yourself to something you will love. Thanks for all these great blogs, very heart warming and inspirational, keep them coming!

Ann

Nov 20, 2016 00:48

What a good idea! Really enjoyed your interview- need to watch again when I have a bit more time to take it all in.
Well done x

Lyn

Nov 20, 2016 00:44

I enjoyed this interview and thought Anne makes a very good role model for younger women and a super LFF ambassador. That's the ethos .. make the best of what you've got and use it well .
I would have loved to have been given a choice of law or medicine .. instead I got told to leave school and earn my keep ! I did , however , manage to train as a nurse !

Jules P

Nov 20, 2016 00:30

First time leaving a comment! I couldn't not respond having watching your conversation with LJ Anne. What an inspiring woman!. Clearly very bright and so grounded. .She looked amazing in her interview and particularly in her photshoot. I also love how she is a regular customer. Wise lady!

Tricia

Nov 20, 2016 00:21

What an inspirational video with a lovely lady? Really enjoyed this.

AMBER TABACCO

Nov 18, 2016 07:44

Such a brilliant interview! Thank You so much, Anne and Tricia. i am proud to be a contemporary of you both. i was really quite moved by every word.
Hugs and Much Love,
Amber in the woods of VA in the USA

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Our Third Ambassador - Lady Justice Anne Rafferty

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