Natalie Larner
AREA ORGANISER FOR SE01
Since 1993 I have lived in the small North Hants village of Sherfield on Loddon and on moving in, my new neighbour Carole invited me to my first NWR meeting. This caring, talkative group of women has formed the core of my friendship group ever since and they’re great! I’ve been a regular member and sometime Treasurer ever since.
I am married, a newly-retired secondary teacher and I enjoy dancing (Strictly fan), theatre, needlework and helping to organise village events like Poppy Collection and fete.
Swansea 2004 was my first National Conference. As I dipped my toes in the sea, my ‘friends’ were volunteering me for the 2005 Reading Committee! I’m so glad they did, as I had the best of times. Attending Conference is thought-provoking and companionable, heightening the sense of belonging to a larger organisation but helping to run one really does keep the mind and body ‘lively’.
SE01 has never had an AO so area events are very new to me. However, I am hoping I can help to foster strong friendships and encourage the sharing of ideas, expertise and activities between our eleven groups. I am looking forward to working with LOs and meeting as many members as I can and intend that together we can arrange a joint activity next year. Surely 2010 presents a ‘Golden Opportunity’ to get us all together!
Member of:
Sherfield on Loddon NWR
NWR member since:
1993
Barbara Lang
AREA ORGANISER FOR SE05
I joined N.H.R in 1985, I saw a poster while I was out walking the dog. My first child was then 14 months old. The Local Organiser of that group was later to become my daughter’s middle school teacher.
The Totton group had 37 members then. The first meeting I attended was at my G.P’s home as his wife was a member of N.H.R. We had a speaker and the place was packed. Over the years Totton group numbers fell. For a long time we only had 10 members. Now we have 13. We meet fortnightly and we also have some pub nights out.
I never actually stopped working; I was a midwife and went on to the Bank and did occasional hours also at family planning clinics. My second child was born in 1986. When he was 2 years old I returned to work for 16 hours a week in charge of a laser treatment clinic plus some midwifery bank work.
In April 2006 I did a transatlantic voyage on a tall ship Stavros S Niarchos for which I received the Mary Scott Award. I returned as a volunteer crew member and now have completed 5 voyages as a first aid purser with my 6th due in Feb 2009.
For a long time I had thought about becoming an Area Organiser but family commitments prevented me as I looked after grandchildren and was still working part time. Now I am looking forward to a new chapter in my life.
Member of:
Totton NWR
NWR member since:
1985
Pauline Reymond
AREA ORGANISER FOR SE06
Following an article and picture about NHR in the Worthing Herald in 1963, I contacted Broadwater Group and became a member in January 1964. This is still my group. Family and sailing commitments prevented me from attending National Conference. My first National Conference was Brighton (1989) when I joined the Committee. I haven’t missed one since!
Talk of introducing area work seemed a logical way forward, and I supported the idea from the start, so when the opportunity to become AO for SE06 in 1992 came along I went for it.
Since late 2007 the groups in my area are now: SE06 Bognor Regis, Chichester, Pulborough/West Chiltington, Shoreham by Sea, Steyning, Worthing Broadwater, SE07 Battle & District, Seaford, Lewes, Hastings, Hassocks & Area, Hailsham, Eastbourne, and Brighton.
I like to have an Area Meeting in say October for Local Organisers to get together and discuss future area events (encouraging groups to organise events), group problems and NWR generally.
By using a computer, and overcoming my fear of the internet (I did a free 1 hr course on the internet at a local college sponsored by the BBC) the job of AO has become easier. Fewer people phone in the middle of my evening meal, and my digestion has improved!
NWR member since:
1964
Anita Lundy-Overton
AREA ORGANISER SE09
I have been a member of NWR in Canterbury for approx 7 years now and have enjoyed a wide variety of activities and roles, including that of Local Oganiser.
A few years ago I retired from working as a Special Needs teacher in Dover and became more involved in cultural life in Canterbury. I am now a City Guide and an Assistant in the Cathedral. I work part-time for the Hospice shop, am a member of U3A and also belong to a local book group.
I travel frequently to Brighton to see my 2 daughters and 4 grandchildren.
NWR member since:
2005
Janet Knowles
AREA ORGANISER SE09
I joined NWR in 2000. A neighbour and friend introduced me to the group after my divorce and I have made lots of lovely friends.
I have been Local Organiser twice and enjoyed helping with themed evenings and giving talks on so many different topics; it has been a learning curve which has given me more confidence in my own abilities.I also am on the Canterbury Save the Children fund-raising committee, the St. Dunstan’s horticultural committee and attend an all day art class and a yoga class. Add to that helping my partner on our allotment, helping to look after 5 grandchildren and singing in a Rock Choir….. life is very fulfilling and busy.
NWR member since:
2000