Worst job? Looking for a cable in the dirtiest loft I’ve ever been in, I discovered
a large dead rat
Samantha “everyone knows me as Sam” Johncock is a self-employed electrician and a born and bred south Londoner. “I was raised in Streatham, hung out in Brixton and Stockwell especially the skate board park – which I am glad to say is still there – and have lived all over south London,” she says. Sam is now settled in Dulwich. And her career history? It started when she got made redundant from her job of 17 years, and decided to retrain and make her hobby her job. “I have always repaired electrical items, TVs, radios, that sort of thing,” she says. “I guess I just like to fix things. Since making the decision to turn my skill into a business I have not looked back. I love the work and get a real sense of satisfaction from sorting out clients’ problems. I wish I had become an electrician years ago.”
When were you happiest?
I am happy now, it`s taken a long time.
Where would you like to live?
I like where I live in west Dulwich. It’s a beautiful area and I am just a short walk from Dulwich Park.
What is your favourite south London sound or smell?
The smell of Ayres bakery in the morning when I lived in Nunhead. Hot bread you can’t beat it.
What is your earliest local memory?
Collecting tadpoles at the Rookery gardens, Streatham Common, where I grew up.
What makes you unhappy?
Bad manners.
What is your most unappealing habit?
I pick the skin round my finger nails.
What’s the thing you get asked most?
To do friends little electric jobs as favours. They are never the “little” jobs they think they are.
Worst job?
It was in a very old house where I had to work in the loft. This loft was the dirtiest I have ever been – and I have been in loads. Whilst looking for a damaged cable I discovered a large dead rat, I nearly came through the ceiling as I jumped of the joist.
Easiest job?
Turning a fused connection unit switch back on. The lady had called me in as her under floor heating would not work, when I traced the cable I found the switch turned off, so just switched it on. Job done.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Judge Judy.
Where do you hang out locally?
My days of hanging out are behind me but as I spend a lot of time working in others’ houses I am more than happy in the comfort of my own home with a cup of coffee when I can.
Who or what do you hate?
Road rage.
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
The deep crease between my eye brows.
Tell us a secret
No, I am good at keeping secrets.
What has your career taught you?
People are loyal, companies are not.
What is your favourite dish and why?
Spaghetti Bolognese. Good tasting simple food.
What have you been up to today?
Planning my diary, I am a meticulous organiser. OCD has been a word used to describe me. I like to know where I am with work at all times.
Your favourite local building or landmark?
The Rookery again (above). I spent many, many hours there as a child and still manage the odd visit as an adult to take in the scenery.
Be honest: are the electrics in your own house a mess?
I don’t have any outstanding jobs in my house, I like to finish what I start.
If you need an excellent local electrician (and we can vouch for her!) you can find Sam at SLJ Electrical
