April 25th, 2017

​Hello.
 
A couple of weeks ago, I left my work, the work I’ve been doing for over 25 years.  I was a  wee bit scared. The reality of leaving my lovely, supportive and funny colleagues made me apprehensive and more than a  bit teary.
 I’ve worked within community based adult education with groups and individuals.  Together we’ve organised adult education classes, creative writing groups, community arts projects and wonderful exhibitions which display the work done.  Sometimes I’ve worked with individuals who were learning to read and write as adults.  I’ve worked with older people in residential homes to help them in having a say about the services they require.  I’ve worked with carers of older people from minority ethnic communities in order that their voices and needs are heard and listened to.
It’s been great.

It was time to leave and do something new.  I’ve completed training with the Fellowship of Professional Celebrants in Wedding and Funeral Ceremonies and I’m now embarking on a new career as a Celebrant. Leaving the security of a local authority job (although, to be honest, there is no security  anymore as local authorities go through the ominously titled ‘transformation’ process) and heading off to a career where I have to start from scratch is scary. I’ll have to convince people to trust me with ceremonies which mark the most important events in their lives. Challenging as they say. Exciting too!
 
I’m starting this blo​g to capture the highs and lows of this new endeavour as honestly as I can.
I also love history, cookery, books, walks along beaches and cats.  I’m sure they’ll feature too.
 
Please join me!