Meet Claire
Tell us a bit about yourself
Proudly Welsh, Bath is now home (although I still feel a deep need to return from time to time to see the mountains, hills and coast of North Wales where I was born and spent my early years)
After Uni, I drifted into a starter job that led on to an exciting career in marketing and consumer insight roles in telecoms, living and working in London. A chance introduction by a then colleague led to me meeting my now husband and we decided to settle in Bath where he was living. Bath was somewhere I already knew well, having spent a couple of years at school here and with family living here.
I found joining a local charity as a Trustee so interesting, fulfilling and rewarding. So much so that when the time was right, I made the move into the charity sector first as a volunteer and then as an employee. After a few different charities, I found my 'home' at Quartet Community Foundation, working in the Philanthropy team. I have the privilege of supporting our fund holders with their local charitable and philanthropic giving and helping them make a difference to communities in the West of England.
When I’m not at work, I like to spend time catching up with friends. A shorter working week these days means that I can travel more, both in the UK and overseas. A dodgy hip has put paid to the walks that I used to enjoy, but hopefully it won’t be too long before these can resume.
What inspired you to join Bath Women's Fund?
I remember well meeting up with Isobel and hearing about her experiences of being a member of a Giving Circle in Australia. It sounded so rewarding, engaging and fun that becoming a Bath Women’s Fund member was a very easy decision when Isobel and Emma decided to start the Giving Circle. To begin with, it was the thought of being part of a group of similarly minded local women, pooling funds and making a difference to the lives of women and girls that was the main attraction of joining. I’m so proud that together we have now awarded £123,000 in grants to 17 local organisations. As if this wasn’t enough of a reason to be a member, I quickly realised just how special our events are and how important they are to me. I look forward to catching up with fellow members, meeting new people, learning more about the issues affecting women and girls locally , and visiting some fascinating venues in and around Bath. I thoroughly recommend becoming a member.
What are the issues that you are most passionate about?
Fairness and giving people a chance. I’m most passionate about work that addresses the inequalities faced by many women and girls, work that helps people rebuild their lives and work that supports people to live fulfilled lives- This often involves work supporting people to overcome challenges and, in some cases, help to recover. I’ve been fortunate to have been a Trustee of two amazing charities that do just that - Bath based Julian House and more recently the Nelson Trust.
What would you be most interested in learning about as a Bath Women's Fund member?
I learn something new from the speakers at every Bath Women's Fund event, and look forward to that continuing. I’m also interested in learning about new developments in philanthropy and changes in attitudes to charitable giving, especially amongst younger women,
What is your favourite place/thing to do in and around Bath?
We live in Combe Down within easy reach of many beautiful views and walks - hard to pick a favourite but if pushed I’d opt for the view of Bath you enjoy when walking through the fields above Smallcombe Vale.