The Nidderdale Voices column with apprentice pharmacist Natasha Chappell

Natasha and her twin brother were born in Leeds but arrived in Pateley when they were two years old. Growing up in Pateley Natasha attended St Cuthbert’s Primary School and then Upper Nidderdale and Harrogate Grammar School.

Her brother was the practical twin who qualified as a joiner and now still works in the dale. Natasha showed an aptitude for academic subjects and had a special interest in English.

With A-levels in English Language, English Literature and Sociology it seemed obvious that these were the subjects that she would study at University but after three months away from the dale it became clear to Natasha that this was not what she wanted to do for the rest of her life.

Back home in Pateley a career decision had to be made. When she had been working as a Saturday girl at The Crown she had thoroughly enjoyed meeting and interacting with people. Pharmacy attracted her but there were no vacancies in Pateley so she started to search for temporary shop work. It was during this period that it was suggested to Sam that she undertook to train an apprentice.

It worked out perfectly.

What is your daily routine?

Now I am a fully-fledged member of the pharmacy team and have finished my apprentice there are always prescriptions to dispense and put out for Sam to check. I have always been interested in helping people and my pharmacy training has familiarised me with over the counter medicines and an understanding of prescription drugs.

The routine is varied and an enjoyable part of my day is walking round to the doctors’ surgery to collect the prescriptions. I also visit housebound patients to deliver their tablets.

Working at my pharmacy training has involved regular visits from a tutor and lots of study at night. This has enabled me to complete various modules. I still find time for my poetry and I do enjoy a good film or a walk with Bovril my Jack Russell

What would be your perfect day out?

Spending the day with Bovril at Swinsty Reservoir and skimming stones. For a holiday I would like to visit Chamonix. It is my boyfriend’s favourite skiing place and I would love to go there with him.

What is your favourite part of the dale?

White Woods at Bewerley. They are beautiful in the winter after it has snowed.

What is your favourite Nidderdale business?

My mother works at The Old Bakehouse in Pateley and visit her every Friday and treat myself to croissants.

What is the biggest change you have seen?

The changed image of the chemist shop. We now diagnose and prescribe as a drop-in centre for minor ailments. This frees more appointments for the doctors.

What makes Nidderdale special?

A centre of commerce in Pateley High Street.

If there is one thing that you could change what would it be?

The local bus timetable. No through bus to Ripon and a poor evening service to Harrogate.