Maths teacher Richard Owen is very lucky and a lot of us will envy him! He was born and raised a vegan! Now in his early 50's Richard is (obviously) fit and healthy and is "always very, very pleased to be vegan".

Travelling to Reading after work I had a quick tour of the City and then we headed off to the Global Cafe - which obviously had the words "suitable for vegans" on the menu!

Spanish cook had such a good argument for going vegetarian that Richards father, Harold, was converted while in the Army during the war. Harold met and married Richards mother, Lillian, after they wrote to each other for sometime and both were veggies together. In 1945 his brother was born and raised as a vegetarian, however in 1948 they were ready to turn vegan - together with baby Richard.

The Owen family ran one of the first health shops selling home grown veg and Granose products in Devon.

Through out his childhood Richard has been subject to medical tests and the results always came back as "yes, basically healthy".

Q)What's the reason(s) for you to keep being vegan?

Moral issues and I have no choice - I could not eat non vegan food. The thought of diary produce makes me feel ill. Animal Rights is my number one reason. We all need to help other beings, what we do to animals is totally indefensible - the health aspect is a bonus.

Q) When did you realise that you were different to other children (who ate meat)?

It was realising but in a good way. I felt very strongly and had a good grasp from about the age of 8. I have always read a lot and enjoy conversations about being Vegan.

Q)Have you ever eaten or thought about eating meat or diary?

There is no way I could possibly conceive of eating that.

Q)Do you tell people "I'm a vegan"

I choose the moment. I like to break the news my way - but what's worse is being called a vay-gun!!

Q)Has it ever caused a problem?

No!

Q)What have you looked back on & thought Wow! that's nice a new vegan product!

Well I'm not into the fake meats - but I do love vegan ice-cream.

Q)Are things easier for vegans nowadays?

Life is easier you can go out and have a meal - not just chips and peas!

Q)How long have you been a member of the Vegan Society?

My parents were and I became a life member in the 70's I think it was about £100 then.

Q)Is it easy being vegan in Reading?

Yes better than in certain areas - I find it harder in when I'm in Devon

Q)Favourite places to eat?

I don't eat out often but I like the Riverside Vegetaria in Kingston and The Manna Vegetarian Restaurant in Erskine Road and The Gate in Hammersmith

Q)What's your favourite meal or food?

I love trying new things, garlic, pasta, aubergines - I was brought up on nut roast and lentils so I'm less keen on those I would like to be spoilt in a 4 star luxury hotel with a gourmet menu!

Thanks Richard - Great to meet you how about a fab quote to finish on?

How about something like, "Being vegan seems the natural way to be. After all, I was born that way!" (or is that too corny?)!