After studying a degree in Russian, training to be a yoga teacher and travelling, Natasha returned to her Norfolk roots to become a celebrant. She is also musical director of charity 'Sing Your Heart Out'. Natasha recently published her first book 'Your Wedding and Beyond'. Here she talks to Gina Long...

What is your connection to East Anglia?
I'm born and bred here! I was born at Norwich hospital, and grew up in a multi-racial family on an organic small-holding in North Norfolk. I left home as an adult, returned, and have been happily settled back here these past seven or eight years.

What is your East Anglian heaven?
I love the lanes and small villages, particularly of North Norfolk, and most especially when explored by bicycle. So much beautiful life teeming in the hedgerows. I love the geese flying over, the salt marshes, big skies, and the homeliness and familiarity of Sheringham and Cromer.

What is your East Anglian hell?
I am saddened by how second homes are taking over so many of our communities. And there are too many big cars on the roads!

What are your favourite East Anglian restaurants?
Most of all I think I love taking out picnics - with my favourite people to my favourite spots - especially if they have contents from the amazing Cley deli (veggie samosas and sticky pear-and-ginger cake) or Aylsham's Bread Source.

What’s your favourite East Anglian landmark?
I love the view from the coastguard hut on the cliffs just West of Sheringham, with the curve of the coastline stretching all the way round to Blakeney Point. And the horse at Wells, whose legs get covered with the rising tide.

What’s the best thing that happens in East Anglia every year?
You know, I've never yet been but I was delighted when I heard that Morris dancers greet every May Day dawn on Mousehold Heath in Norwich. The sense of centuries' old folk tradition and merry-making, in reverence and connection with the seasons, warms my heart.

What's your specialist Mastermind subject?

I'm not sure I have one! I know a thing or two about ritual, creating safe and sacred space, and have hundreds of community singing group songs and their harmony parts floating around my brain. Since writing my book, I know a lot more than I did about the history of marriage, and wedding traditions from around the world.

What is always in your fridge?
Organic veggies, usually from the garden.

What’s your simple philosophy of life?
There's always way more going on than meets the eye and, somehow, somewhere it all makes sense. We can not not belong and are each loved beyond measure. We only act out of alignment if we hurt. Whatever's happening...be kind.

What’s your favourite film?
First seeing 'A Room With A View' as a teenager certainly awoke the romantic in me.

What was your first job?
When I was 15 or 16 working at 'Splash', the now sadly closed old leisure pool in Sheringham.

Give me three words that describe you
Loving, spirited, connection-seeking.

What is your most treasured possession?
What comes to mind is - my bedroom. It was lovingly renovated for me and represents a cosy haven of safety, nurture, beauty and healing.

Who do you admire most?
Anyone doing the necessary 'work' of self-healing, in order to show up as the best version of themselves. Anyone who emanates presence, radiance, love, tolerance, and compassion. Anyone at home in their own skin. Anyone who models truly seeing, hearing, and valuing another.

What is your biggest indulgence?
Chocolate.

What do you like about yourself most?
The side of me that is warm, playful, abundant, joyful and connective.

What’s your worst character trait?
I'm tetchy when I'm tired, hungry, or over-stretched.

Where is your favourite holiday destination?
I love Germany. I feel very at home with the language, culture and people. I am also drawn to Scandinavia and seem to have almost always had a fascination for Eastern Europe too. I like visiting places where I have a purpose (working on a volunteer project, learning the language, singing in a Georgian village, connecting with my Nepali brother-in-law's culture), or can find a way in beyond being a tourist.

Best day of your life?
Not sure if I can single out a day; rather it's the times when I feel in full flow; alive, connected and in alignment with life. Like I'm held and right on track.

What’s your favourite breakfast?
Just the right combination of oats, fruit, nuts and yoghurt.

What’s your favourite tipple?
I don't get too excited about this one... though I can enjoy a mulled wine but, to be honest, would equally a spiced, festive apple juice.

What’s your hidden talent?
Definitely not parking, promoting myself, or techy stuff.

What’s your earliest memory?
One of my earliest (age five or six) is the day we went to collect our new little sister from the adoption agency. She was gorgeous. We sat on the floor and gently passed her round and my dad said 'Oh, she has the head the size of a grapefruit'!

What would you like played at your funeral?
The theme tune from 'Brave' - 'Touch The Sky'; it's so vibrant, free-spirited, and makes me feel happy and connected.

Tell us why you live here and nowhere else?
I love the space and ruralness of Norfolk, and feel blessed to live near the sea and yet enjoy woods, commons and any other natural areas to explore. I so appreciate all my singing networks and friendship circles; many of the treasured people in my life are here.

What do you want to tell our readers about most?
I am so proud and happy to have finally published my dream book and would so appreciate any interest and support in getting it out into the world. Born of almost two decades experience as an interfaith minister and life celebrant, I wrote ‘Your Wedding and Beyond; Ideas to make your Heart Sing’, to empower couples to think outside of the box and create a personally meaningful wedding and marriage.

Hailed as ‘the engagement gift of the year’, the book is a unique, practical guide inspired by the wealth of wisdom and diversity from across the world on love, weddings and marriage. While it is most obviously aimed at couples wanting a bespoke wedding ceremony, this book offers a fascinating read for anyone interested in folklore, history, faith traditions, customs, and the power and purpose of intimate partnership.

You can order the book here.

If you have a story, email gina@hallfarmfornham.com or follow Twitter: @geewizzgee1 Instagram: @ginalong_geewizz