I graduated in English from St Andrews University, and took a post as an assistant governor in the prison service. During my father's terminal illness I got work as a nursing assistant to be close to home. Then had a teaching career that lasted 24 years. I changed and grew a lot through my teaching I think. Maybe I found an outlet for practicality - you do - you love - you become. Each year the children were a blessing and gift in their youth, their growing, their exuberance and their hope. I have many treasured memories, and it also taught me about living in community. It helped me grow from love of the lonely wild places to a faith and recognition that relationship is at the heart of God. My teaching years were full of romance and reclaimed innocence, joy and kindness, and growing together in love.

(pupils on a trip to Hampton Court)