- Nov 28, 2019
Barbour Life 125 Years Customer Stories: Meet Julie Hogg
AUTUMN WINTER 2019
In celebration of our 125-year anniversary, we invited customers to share why they love Barbour, their Barbour way of life, and what we would find in the pockets of their Barbour Jackets. This time, we met up with Julie Hogg in Cambridge.
Can you let us know a little about yourself?
I’m a fundraiser and relationship manager in the non-profit sector, a rowing coach, cox and cyclist. I’m 46 and live with my three cats in Cambridgeshire. I am a Godmother to Alice and Auntie to her siblings.
Where are we today and why?
We’re in Cambridge at one of the boathouses, City of Cambridge, where I spend a lot of time. I’m a cox, coach and sculler and I wore my Barbour when I started coxing 28 years ago, and I still wear it to coach in.
Can you tell us the story you shared about your relationship with Barbour?
My story with Barbour started when I was a very little girl as I was born and brought up in Northumberland and everyone, including my parents and especially my Dad, worn Barbour jackets. I loved the smell of them and all the pockets. When I was about 14 or 15, my Dad bought me my very own Barbour jacket, a Beaufort, and I wore it everywhere, every single day. My favourite memory is walking with my Dad on Warkworth Beach on the Northumbrian coast and collecting the sea-coal. I’d put it in the pocket of my Beaufort and I still have traces of coal dust in there to this day!
Barbour celebrates its 125th birthday this year – how will you celebrate?
I have my 125th Anniversary badge on my Barbour and I will be raising a glass when I go to Northumberland in December. A visit to the factory is planned! I am also saving up for a Heritage Beaufort Jacket to have as my smart one.
If your jacket could talk, what stories would it tell us?
It would tell you all about the times I went walking on the beaches and moors of Northumberland, driving with my beloved Grandfather in my MGB Roadster, chatting with my Grandmother when we were visiting National Trust properties, my time at University when I wore it everywhere as it kept me warm and dry whilst cycling to lectures and supervisions as well as when I was learning to cox racing boats.
It would even tell of the time I fell off my bike in front of a policewoman because the brakes didn’t work! Stories of my first rowing race and my first job as a teacher, living in London and learning to coach in various launches on the Thames. Helping my Dad in the garden and chopping wood. Clearing my own garden and walking with friends and their dogs and last, but not least, many happy hours and days of horse riding.
ABOVE: JULIE HOGG
When did you first come across Barbour? Many people have said their parents and grandparents wore Barbour's before them, is this the same for you?
Very much so. My Dad and grandfathers all wore Barbours. I can remember holding my father’s hand and being a shy child, hiding under his jacket when he was talking to people. He always had a handkerchief available and chocolate in the pockets, as well as his flat cap. I loved the smell of it and the smell of the thorn dressing takes me right back there.
What do you do in your downtime to relax – are there activities with your friends and family you enjoy out in the countryside or by the coast?
I cox my crew on the River Cam and elsewhere for races, and scull with my friend Nicola. I coach a College crew and I cycle a lot. I also walk a lot in the Fenland countryside around my home and walk with my father when I visit him and my mum in Sussex. I escape to Cornwall to visit my dear friend Jane and her children, including my Goddaughter, when I can, and we row together and walk a lot.
How do you style your Barbour clothing?
With a smart dress and scarf for work, adding leather gloves in winter and a hat when it’s really cold. The rest of the time it’s on top of sports kit for coaching or with my jeans, knee-high boots, a big scarf, my recycled cashmere gloves and headband or hat. It goes with everything! I’ve ever worn it over a ball dress!
What is it about British style you find interesting and unique?
The quirkiness and the use of traditional patterns and textiles with a nod to history and craftsmanship.
We’re very proud of our British culture - what aspects of British culture resonate the most with you?
Our constant closeness to history and the fact we are an island. We’re surrounded by our country’s history everywhere and we’re ever-evolving because of our island status. We’re a nation of settlers and mixed cultures so we’ve absorbed and adopted so many traditions and cultures which have become part of us over the centuries.
What does an average day in your Barbour jacket look like?
Early morning walk with a cup of tea or coffee; if I’m out for the day then work meetings and lunch on the run; if I'm at home, a walk to the local shop for snacks and stamps at some point. Playing in the garden with my cats at lunchtime. At weekends, coxing then coaching my girls rowing from the riverbank, on my bike, during the lighter evenings and on weekends. Heading out to meet friends for coffee or dinner in the evening.
What would we find in the pockets of your Barbour Jacket?
A handkerchief, jelly babies, hand cream and gloves. Coal dust!
If you were to invest in something new from Barbour, what would it be and why?
A Heritage Beaufort jacket as my original one is very battered, and I’d like one for ‘best’ ie work and smart outings.
How would you describe your Barbour Way of Life?
Eventful but purposeful.
How will you be celebrating your Barbour Way of Life this Christmas?
I will be spending it in my little cottage with my animals and visiting my parents in Sussex. I will be rowing up past the Colleges with some of my crew on Boxing Day – it’s a once a year event and I have never done it! It will be a very traditional Christmas with a nod to my Swedish and Scottish ancestry in terms of theme.
What do you look forward to most about the Christmas period in Britain?
The dark days where I can wrap up and enjoy the cold and the anticipation of Christmas. The candles and everything lit up. The smell of the trees and the hope of snow. Carols, mulled wine and mince pies. I love walking past King’s College Chapel and hearing the choir practising for their famous Christmas service.
Will there be any Barbour on your/your family’s Christmas list this year?
Yes! My Dad loves the shirts so he will want one of those. A scarf for my mum to match her jacket and something for my Goddaughter as I gave Alice her first Barbour jacket last year.
Learn more about Barbour 125 Years here.
