Dave Powell is a reporter for Cheshire Live
1.How are you? Despite all the madness, I’m good. The first lockdown brought tough times for many, myself included but even though we are in choppy waters again it seems, I am a much more positive person than I was back in March.
2. Describe your typical day. I’m a father to a six-year-old daughter and one-year-old son so my day usually starts at 5.30am. I know, right?!Once the mayhem of school and nursery is completed I retire to my office (back bedroom) where I join up, virtually, with my colleagues for the morning meeting where we discuss what’s happening and float ideas. I’ve stepped back, briefly, into news for the first time since I worked for the Leader seven years ago and I’ve enjoyed it, although the days are very different to what I was used to on the sports desk. On sport I was responsible for the writing and design of the Chester Chronicle as well as everything that went on the Cheshire Live site that was sport related. Weekends were where the action was really at, though, and an away day fixture would usually mean an early morning dart, several service station stops with Dee Radio’s Shane Pinnington before arriving at a ground in the middle of nowhere. Then the coverage starts, trying to watch a game while live blogging, tweeting and writing a match report was a skill I managed to hone over time. It’s a job I loved and a job I miss but there are other opportunities that are just around the corner for me.
3. Who/what inspired you in life? It sounds really corny but were it not for my wife then I don’t think I would have had the will and gumption to make the step into journalism. I worked in a warehouse for many years before taking a sales job that I was made redundant from. I always wanted to be a sports writer and when I was made redundant my wife (then girlfriend) told me to take the leap and go to university, which I did. I threw myself into it and ended up with a First and a job. She is a physiotherapist in the NHS and never have I met anyone who cares as deeply about what they do than her. She’s been tremendously successful and it is totally unsurprising.
4. Do you have any amusing anecdotes from your career ?
I once shared a sauna with Tulisa from NDubz on a work away day at Mottram Hall.
5. If you could change one thing about Chester what would it be ?That some people would change their mindset of it and be more proud of the city. I’ve travelled a lot and it is the most marvellous of places. We take it for granted. I accept that it has its flaws and quite how our high street will look post pandemic is worrying, but there is nowhere like Chester and it will bounce back. People have too much of a downer on it sometimes and I just don’t understand it. Linked with that, I’d like to see a reduction in business rates to entice more local and independent stores to take up residence in the empty spaces we will have after Covid has wreaked havoc. There will be a recovery, but the city will need help.
6. Which person living or dead would you take for an independent coffee /drink ?The Brewery Tap with Harry McNally.
7. Favourite place in the borough ( specific) That place at the bottom of the industrial estate on Bumpers Lane, next to the council tip.
8. Fav TV show of all time? Tough one. I loved Breaking Bad, The Wire and The Sopranos, and I watch A LOT of Frasier and The King of Queens. But in terms of what I can watch over and over again it is still probably Curb Your Enthusiasm.
9. Favourite fantasy animal? That massive white dragon thing from the Neverending Story.
10. What is the greatest memory of your life ?The birth of my children and wedding day are at the top of the tree, however cringe people find it. Then maybe Ben Heneghan’s winner. Me and the old fella had a massive hug and a fair few beers after. It was my birthday.
11. If you could time travel, where/when would you go ?To the 75/75 League Cup run so I could experience that. Leeds at home. Wow.
12. What do you do to relax ?Play basketball (when Covid allows). It’s become a huge part of my life. Films, a bit of reading and a bit of FIFA. Nothing wild, I know.
13. If you could choose one superpower what would it be ?Play basketball like Michael Jordan. That is a superpower. Look it up.
14. Where do you see Chester in 5 years time ?The city, I would like to see enough done to preserve the high street. Will Northgate come to fruition by then? We’ll see. I just want the city to retain its identity and vibrancy.
15. Name 3 things you hate? LiarsBulliesCoronavirus
16. And 3 things you love? My family, Chester FC, Larry David
17. How can Chester FC grow and build for the future ? Covid has shown that nobody is immune to the possibility of going bump. Chester look better placed than some.
They need to improve their commercial approach, definitely, they can’t just rely on good will and a paid role for me is vital in that, driving the commercial side forward. Engaging with those outside the congregation is vital too. King George V will be massive for that. That’s an exciting prospect.
18. What would be the title of your autobiography ?
Good touch for a big man.
19. What advice would you give to your younger self ?
Care less what other people think. Take more risks. Be braver.
20. What gives you hope in your darkest hour?
My kids. They are my reason for being.
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