...art galleries in Brussels, Monet’s Garden at Giverny… and Home-Start Telford & Wrekin

"When I took early retirement from teaching I was convinced I would find great fulfilment in re-decorating the house," says Kate Bevan, " finally getting the garden sorted out and still have time left over for all those treats I had been promising myself - a trip to Monet's garden at Giverny and visits to art galleries (London, Liverpool, Paris and Brussels). All these came to pass and were very much enjoyed, but I still felt I needed to do something else - to make a difference somehow.

"My teaching career had been very varied, working with children in schools and with students in college and university. When I applied to REACH, an organization which helps retired people find voluntary work, I decided I would like to try something a little different."

"Home-Start sounded very intriguing, dealing as it did with families and children in a very supportive, individual way. I joined the management committee in 1999 and I found great satisfaction in being part of a team that contributed so much to the well-being of parents and children. I have since worked as Vice-Chair and currently Chair of the Telford and Wrekin Scheme. I have learnt a great deal about committee work - fund-raising, policy development, working in partnership - all skills developed through the excellent training days available to committee members.

"I have made many friends through Home-Start and value most the shared commitment to the importance of the earliest years. Home-Start is an organisation that makes you feel valued and allows you to discover skills you didn't know you had."

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