Jonathan Potter has had a fascinating career as a seller of antique maps, charts, plans,…
Cara Fitzgerald is a Hand Finishing Operative at Dennis Maps’ factory in Frome, Somerset. We speak to her about working for the company, her life outside of work and her love of maps.
Can you tell us a bit about your background?
My dad was in the Royal Canadian Navy, so we moved a lot when I was a child. In Canada, I’ve lived in British Columbia, Nova Scotia and Ontario. I was in the Canadian Forces Naval Reserve for a couple of years after high school too. Later, my dad retired from the Navy while working for NATO in Virginia, US. I moved down there with my parents and was a student in Virginia for a while.
How did you find your way to Frome?
I met my husband, who’s English, when I was in the US, and we moved back here around nine years ago. He got a job near Frome.
What do you like most about living here?
It’s so beautiful – I love the patchwork quilt of fields, hedgerows and rolling hills. There are so many places to visit from here too – Devon, Cornwall, Bath and Cardiff. And Frome itself has a little bit of everything.
Can you tell us about your role at Dennis Maps?
I’ve been working at the Frome factory for seven years as a Hand Finishing Operative, helping hand finish maps. Some of the maps the company produces are hand finished and may have their covers put on by hand, folds might be added manually, or they may need to be prepped ready to go through a machine. I operate some of the machines too. I like it on days when I get to do a mix of jobs.
What do you like best about your role?
Aside from the mix of jobs, I like the hours. I’m a morning person and get to start at 6am, before finishing at 2pm, so I’m off for a lot of the afternoon. I really like everyone I work with too.
Do you have a personal interest in maps?
Yes – I’ve always loved maps, mainly because I’ve moved around a lot. I’ve been exposed to many new places and I constantly mapped new cities whenever I moved. When I first came to England it was new to me, so this role has helped me pick up the geography of the UK. So many maps come across my desk that help me map out the UK and find new places to visit.
Do you have any favourite maps that Dennis Maps has printed?
I have several. The Bath 5k Map is one of my favourites. Another good one is the Out & About Map of the South West. I also love the Swim Map of Great Britain by the Salty Sea Sisters. It covers wild swimming spots in England, Scotland and Wales. It appeals as I swim any chance I get. My friends would describe me as a mermaid! Then there’s the National Trust Grand Adventure Map, which would make a great gift for friends or family with National Trust membership. It’s got blurb about different National Trust properties and places, plus fun facts, like the food traditionally eaten in each area. I enjoy seeing the maps we make, and I’m always surprised by the creativity that goes into each one.
Outside of work, you’re a keen rugby player and Dennis Maps sponsors you to play. Can you tell us more about this?
I started playing rugby in high school and I haven’t looked back! I’ve been playing for over 30 years, in lots of places for lots of different teams. When I moved around a lot it gave me an instant social life. It’s been great for my physical and mental health too. I play for Melksham RFC Ladies as a forward and I’ve been with them for three seasons. Dennis Maps kindly sponsors me.
What else do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I go to a gym called Affinity Wellbeing in Frome. I feel much stronger from going to the gym and it’s built my confidence in my abilities. The owners Katharine and Paul keep me match ready and always believe in me. My husband and I also have an allotment that we waited seven years to get! We’re enjoying growing vegetables and flowers.
Dennis Maps is one of the leading map printers in the world, producing more than two million maps and charts every year. We offer comprehensive pre-press services, large format print solutions using both large format litho printing and large format digital print technologies, plus specialised map folding and map finishing techniques.