Hello. It's a pleasure to be connected to everyone through words.

I am Torquay born and bred. For many years I was head of girls PE at St Cuthbert Mayne School in Torquay. I also taught RE, Geography and English. I retired to have my son Matthew but then the nuns at Croft Lodge Convent in Abbey Road talked me into working part time for them. I taught PE to girls from 4 years old to 16! After that I did some supply work and that was enough for me.

I dabbled in Arty Crafty hobbies for a while followed by a more serious interest in horse riding, dog showing and golf. I did voluntary work with children who had behavioural problems and mentored a teenager who had problems at home. More recently I've become involved with our Torbay Young Carers.

As I've matured I'm surprised to discover a strong interest in History, particularly Local History, Painting and Writing. None of these caught my attention at school. I wrote for Devon Life magazine for a few years until they were taken over by Archant South West. I also had articles published in Tractor and Machinery magazine - more of that another time. I worked on a big project for Primary Schools called The Key Way Homework Solution. It was my sister's brainwave for learning at home. She was a head teacher in Birmingham at the time so that was the main area of interest. We produced booklets and CD's and I've never been so exhausted. It all went well but I spent a whole day in bed when we finished. I declined the opportunity for marketing and selling.

In 2015 I joined the Torquay and District Soroptimists, part of a global volunteer service. We are a small group of ladies who support a variety of charitable causes. The aim is to educate, enable and empower women and girls at home and worldwide. I hope to explain more to you at another time, including this strange word Soroptimist – which has nothing to do with feet!