Ill health gave Ally Heasman, 54, the chance to reconsider her career. Fond memories of buying ice cream as a child, and her love of old vehicles led to her buying a vintage ice cream van. Ally lives in Ely, Cambridgeshire, with her partner Andy, 48.
THE IDEA
After five years as a nurse, I became a police officer and worked in safeguarding children. Later, my work revolved around domestic violence with Sussex Council and then as an independent adviser. These jobs were distressing, so when I was forced to stop after an illness in 2014, I had time to think about what I really wanted to do.
I have a sweet tooth, and Andy, who is an engineer, and I share a love of old vehicles. After researching that there wasn't any local competition, I bought a 1973 Bedford ice cream van. 'Lottie' was cheap but in need of an overhaul. On the plus side, she had freezers and a Mr Whippy machine for the classic 99. I wanted French faded florals and feminine fabrics, and I sourced the best ice cream using natural ingredients.
WHAT HAPPENED NEXT
I focused on weddings, emailing everyone from wedding planners and florists, to bridal shops and venues, set up a website and got on social media. Within a few weeks, I was asked to go to a wedding with 100 guests, and a week later, a local match with the England female cricket team. We are now a regular sight at festivals, weddings and christenings, and I've even been asked to attend funerals.
Not long after setting up, I got a call from actor James Norton, who was filming the TV show Grantchester nearby, and wanted to treat the cast and crew to an ice cream. Lottie and I have also featured in the BBC's history programme, Back in Time for the Weekend, in which they recreated the long hot summer of 1976.
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