I was born in a little town (Lier) near Antwerp in Belgium, and lived in Antwerp for some 25 years, where I went to school, speaking Flemish (Dutch) at school and French with my family. I worked in the laboratory of a large hospital as an assistant..
I married an Englishman and we have four sons, now all married with 6 grandchildren. We lived in Essex for some 20 years before moving permanently to Seaford.
I obtained a Bachelor of Education degree at the University of London, and taught ever since obtaining this degree, first in Hornchurch, Essex, and subsequently in Seaford. I have enjoyed my teaching career very much, and it has not always been about teaching my pupils the correct ending to French verbs! I was very much interested in the pastoral side, trying to help whenever I could with the "motherly" approach. Difficult teenage boys were my speciality, being a mother to 4 sons!
Since I joined the Inner Wheel Club of Seaford in 1999, I have taken an active role in the running of the club before becoming president in 2005. This year I am taking on a new hat as their treasurer, with the help and guidance of our previous most efficient treasurer Joan and also of Lyn, this year’s District treasurer, to whom I am so grateful.
As I enjoy music very much, and belong to several local choirs, I found it natural to join the Inner Wheel District choir, under the great guidance of Eve, and soon her successor, Wendy. It has been wonderful to see the choir members again year after year, giving a meaning to "true friendship", being able to pick up where we left off one year prior, and continuing our friendship.
I have always believed in the Objects of Inner Wheel, “TRUE FRIENDSHIP" can indeed be a lifesaver whether in times of need or just day to day living, while the “IDEALS OF PERSONAL SERVICE” have always been a strong influence to my daily life. As for “FOSTERING INTERNATIONAL UNDERSTANDING”, this is an object which has guided me throughout my whole life, as from birth I have understood the difficulties of conflicts of interests, thoughts and culture.
I am very grateful to be offered the honour and opportunity to help the promotion of those three objects by becoming District 25’s second vice Chairman. I will do my utmost to fulfil this task and I know I will receive all the help necessary from Inner Wheel members at all levels. Because in Inner Wheel we do not just work as individuals, we work as a whole team, together, to reach our objects.