I was reminded of this bible verse at our dear friend, John Britton’s funeral on 13th February 2025 at Margam Crematorium in Wales. His pastor, who was leading the service, shared a story from his final visit to see John in Penarth’s hospice. During their time together, he had asked for advice and John hadContinue reading “Cast your bread upon the waters…”
Category Archives: My journey…
‘The Whales’ Song’ by Dyan Sheldon and Gary Blythe
Have you experienced the poignant power of picturebooks? Can I give you a window into my world? Are you sitting comfortably?
Online Teaching in Alternative Provision
I am currently working for an Alternative Provision agency on a zero hour contract. I teach children and young people who are unable to manage the demands of mainstream schools. Most of the sessions are online, some of the children and young people have received funding from their local authority for 5 hours of onlineContinue reading “Online Teaching in Alternative Provision”
Make do and mend
I’ve loved these boots and I’ve worn them to all of my face-to-face interviews in 2024. They are held together with gaffer tape and gorilla glue. I used a black sharpie and shoe polish to disguise my repairs. My make-do-and-mend efforts gave me a sense of satisfaction I haven’t yet achieved in my job search…
Thank you, Gareth!
This signed photo of Gareth Southgate once held pride of place above my granny’s tele.
Has learning to read in 2024 become a chore and a bore?
Saturday 29th June marked the end of my ‘Read with Julia’ pilot project at Ledbury Community Hub. If you look at the numbers, it wasn’t a rip-roaring success – but it’s given me plenty of food for thought…
Shared Reading at Ledbury Community Hub
In April, I visited Ledbury Community Hub for a pot of peppermint tea and I met Nic, the hub leader. We talked about his vision for the hub, opportunities for me as a volunteer… and he kindly offered me use of the space for four, free, drop-in reading sessions for local children and families.
My elevator pitch
Last week, I spent 9 hours on a business bootcamp. The online meetings were held on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, from 6 – 9 pm. One of the PowerPoint slides told us what to include in an elevator pitch…
Can we banish burnout?
Stupid question? Maybe… I’m sharing my story in the hope it helps others. Here are 3 lessons I learned the hard way.
In recovery
I’m irritated by the fact that I am still grappling with my transition out of teaching. I still feel a sense of loss and I still really, really miss being with children.
Read with Julia 