Meet Jane
Tell us a bit about yourself
I was born in Bath and after university, I came home and joined one of the big Government departments as a short-term measure; somehow I ended up leaving 32 years later.
I spent the last four years of my career mainly working in Liverpool where I led a Shared Service Centre team providing finance and accounting services, and working on strategic finance change programmes - my work passion was change and improvement and the cultural aspects associated with those changes. I took early retirement in 2020, although I still work part time as a workplace misconduct, grievance and Bullying, Harassment, Discrimination and Victimisation investigator.
What inspired you to join Bath Women's Fund?
During my career I worked with many brilliant, inspirational women from a wide range of backgrounds, who taught me so much about their struggles and their strengths and I knew that I wanted to spend some time supporting women in my community when I retired.
A friend who was a member suggested I joined Bath Women's Fund, so I went along to an event and was hooked. I didn’t know anything about giving circles, but the idea of women coming together and donating to support other women and girls in the community was exciting. I’m now a member of the Grants Group and mentor grant finalists.
What are the issues that you are most passionate about?
I have three granddaughters, and I am passionate that they have the same opportunities and rights I had. The world feels scary right now, especially for women and girls, and I believe it’s more important than ever that women work together to support each other and fight for our rights.
What would you be most interested in learning about as a Bath Women's Fund member?
I'm always interested in learning about issues women and girls are facing, what organisations are doing to support them, and what we, as Bath Women's Fund members, can do to help.
The annual Grants Award Evening is always a great opportunity to hear from different groups about the work their doing in the area, as well as catching up with the previous year’s main grantee.
I haven’t managed to get to many of the potluck events, but I’ve really enjoyed those where we’ve been able to go behind the scenes, like the Roman Baths and the Fashion Museum.
What is your favourite place/thing to do in and around Bath?
I love music and the theatre, so I spend a lot of time at the Theatre Royal and music concerts. While these are often in Bristol, you’ll find me at the Forum, Komedia, Chapel Arts Centre, or across Bath during the Mozartfest, and I recently discovered Widcombe Social Club run a wonderful music programme. Bath is such a vibrant and interesting place to live with the most beautiful countryside right on my doorstep.
I never made time for exercise when I was working full time so I prioritised that when I retired. I now swim in an outdoor pool most mornings, which is the highlight of my day, and do yoga three or four times a week. I’m not fit by any imagination, but my mental health is definitely better when I move.