Facing the Challenge Print E-mail
Page 1 of 2

Want to try something new, face your fears or make a difference? Columba Colivet finds inspiration in these women who threw caution to the wind to reach their personal goal. 

Image
The Pink Lady Polecats.
Special needs teacher Marion Vandome enjoyed an active lifestyle and membership of Middleton Cum Fordley WI in East Suffolk, but her life took an unexpected turn when a horse-ride went terribly wrong. Her new horse bolted, and she fell, dragged along in one stirrup. A broken collarbone, shoulder blade and three ribs meant months of recuperation for Marion who found the simplest tasks a major ordeal. Her rescuer offered her part-time work in his second-hand bookshop, while friends were equally supportive.

When the bookshop was offered for sale, Marion found her niche - buying it ushered in a new chapter to her life. Although Marion has permanent injuries, she has battled through the worst with the help of hydrotherapy and her own strength of character. These days she enjoys more sedentary hobbies but she has other plans, too: "My ultimate ambition is to find a way to drive a small pony and trap: it's my dream for the future."

Personal journey

Successful career woman Sally Rodé of Mundford WI, Norfolk, always knew she was adopted, enjoying a secure happy childhood. When her adoptive parents passed away, she began the search for her birth mother. A visit to Barnardo's revealed that her birth mother had lived with five children in two rooms in London and, with money scarce, had little choice but to give her up. Sally was satisfied with these answers for a number of years but then something inside made her go a step further.

With the help of NORCAP and a friend's research, contact was made with an elder sister who revealed that Sally was one of 11 children.

"Thankfully they all wanted to meet me," she says. "Sadly my birth mother has passed away - it's a shame, I can't thank her for giving me the chance of a good life." Sally, married with two sons, has regular contact with her adoptive brother and birth siblings, but urges caution for others in her situation: "I'm one of the lucky ones, not all stories have happy endings."

The three degrees

Leaving school at 16, Sylvia Burdett of Harbury WI in Warwickshire was determined to further her education, taking a number of evening classes over the years. A course in creative writing led to studies in A-level English, which was the 'confidence tool' towards a degree in Literary & Cultural Studies at the University of Warwick. Several bouts of illness punctuated her studies but Sylvia - registered severely disabled with diabetes, coeliac disease and rheumatoid arthritis - marched bravely on, obtaining her degree at the honourable age of 69.

When her fifth and youngest child left home, Marion Olley of Elmstead Market WI in Essex found herself at a crossroads, but not for long... On a browse through the library Marion was approached by "a lady with a clipboard" asking if she was interested in higher education.

"At my age?" Marion retorted, but before she knew it, Marion had signed up for an Access course which led to a degree in Combined Studies (English & History) and a postgraduate course teaching English as a foreign language. "To be a mature student one must have a sense of humour," she reflects. "To sit in a class of 18-year-olds and have a tutor half one's age is an experience in itself!"

April was this year's highlight for 60-years-young Briony Pates who graduated from the Open University with a BA Humanities. A member of Stoke Sub Hamdon WI in Somerset, Briony's achievement complements her qualification in Modern Languages from Bristol University, over 40 years ago. "It was certainly more of a challenge this time, but it's all hugely rewarding," says Briony who also runs a home and works part-time. "I would recommend the OU to anyone, though the exams can be a test of memory skills at this age."

Location, location...

You'll never catch me living in the country!' declared 'townie' Barbara Bladen at a dinner party in Cumbria. But when an unfortunate back injury led to weeks recuperating on the sofa watching TV makeover programmes, including Fork to Fork gardening, the prospect of rural life began to look good. "Perhaps it was something to do with Monty Don," she sighs.

With her job gone and husband Alan on the brink of retirement, Barbara's venture down television's garden path became a reality: they moved into an18th-century cottage with 2.5 acres in Anglesey.

She and her husband stumbled through the first year as horticultural novices, but their natural talents blossomed and neighbours convinced them to join the National Gardens Scheme. Their first open day attracted a spectacular 320 visitors. Assisted by fellow-members from Llanedwen WI the day raised £1,000 for Tearcraft.

Today Barbara and Alan also maintain the gardens of their church, Penallt, while Barbara also finds time to study for her BSc in Social Sciences at the OU.

Image
Trek for life - the Great Wall of China.
Sailing to success

When Robert Tew promised to take his young daughter and number one fan out to sea but left her at home, Helen was devastated. In this singular moment she was driven towards her 'career' as a yachtswoman, enjoying landmark journeys and finally achieving her lifetime's ambition of a transatlantic voyage with son Donald at the admirable age of 89.

The lifelong South Baddesley WI member (Hampshire) was welcomed to shore from the Mary Helen by her many legions of admirers, including Ellen McArthur who paid homage to her achievement.


<< Start < Prev 1 2 Next > End >>
 
[ Back ]