Profile information
Travel information
We are currently
At home
Activities we are interested in:
We are currently working on our own renovation in Central France. We are starting an inclusive arts centre, and are very keen to connect with other cultural and creative projects in Europe.
Description
Hi- we are Jonti and Jo and we've known each other since we were 21, and been good friends our whole lives. We are both now creative directors of The Ministry of Making, in Central France .
You can look us and our work up on The Ministry of Making website.
We love to take time out, and visit other people and projects. We love supporting others and, since we welcome volunteers here in The Auvergne, you can be sure that we are aware of how to BE volunteers.
We're positive, happy and can work under direction, or be totally self directed, as suits you.
We are self sufficient, and can amuse ourselves, whilst also really enjoying making new friends, and happy to provide music evenings on occasion, as Jonti plays Mandolin, and Jo sings.
We love balance, harmony and good will.
We have both been teachers for nearly 30 years, Jonti as an English teacher, Head of English, then Head of Drama, and an ex-Headmaster.
Jo has worked as an artist in residence in schools for over 25 years, supporting young people's leadership and the management of change through the arts.
Neither of us was ever a "conventional" teacher. We both believe in supporting children to think their own thoughts, and become powerful and creative on their own terms.
Between us, we are parents of six fabulous children of our own, (now all grown adults), and we are very experienced at taking a parental role, ensuring that young people to feel safe and well cared for. We both have enhanced DBS clearance.
We are both keen enthusiastic workers, and have lots of experience with household tasks such as painting and decorating, and some household maintenance. Jonti can turn his hand to plumbing and (basic) electrics as well as simple repairs of appliances and IT/computer issues. Jo is a wizard with Photoshop, and loves gardening and decorating!
We both cook really well and love making meals for others. We also love to take on projects together, and can manage our time really well, with no need to be supervised. We both drive and have full, clean licences. We would bring our own car/van. We do not smoke and do not drink beyond the (very) occasional glass of wine or beer.
We're cheerful, happy people, and really love helping others, and we like to support good respectful terms with everyone.Interests
WritingPlant careMusicEvents & socialCooking & foodPhotographyMovies & TVDrawing & paintingGardeningDancingSelf developmentPerforming artsDIY & craftsCampingVegetarian or veganLGBTQBooksCultureYoga / WellnessVan lifeNaturePolitics / Social justiceLanguages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: IntermediateMore details about my language interests
This workawayer has indicated that they would be interested in sharing their language(s) or learning a new language. You can contact them directly to discuss this.Skills and knowledge we'd like to share or learn
Some knowledge of:
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Being an elderly companion
General Maintenance
Helping around the house
Animal Care
Hospitality/Tourism
Charity Work
Languages
Helping with Computers/ Internet
Able to teach about:
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Art Projects
Teaching
More details about your skills
Jo is a printmaker, and also has some web design and graphic design skills. Jonti is a writer, so he can write copy, and is reasonably experienced with social media ( FB, Instagram, Twitter etc).
We both love painting, decorating and gardening, and have lots of experience through maintaining our own home. We really enjoy helping people find and develop their creativity through the arts: singing, drama and visual arts. Jo is a skilled feltmaker.
We're both resourceful, and very solution orientated, and can get on with things without the need for supervision.
Jonti is also pretty handy, and can fix things and help out in the house. He is a superb cook.
Jo also cooks really well.Age
64 & 64
What else ...
We are both avid readers. Jo is a maker and can turn her hand to most crafts. Jonti like to whittle & carve. He has been known to make flutes and whistles. We are both musicians. Jonti plays mandolin and Jo is a singer.
Jonti enjoys playing cards and word games like Scrabble.Some more information
Smoker
Driver's licence
Allergies
NoSpecial dietary requirements
Jonti is a vegetarian-Jo eats everything except eggs ( not allergic).
Feedback
Cristian and Corina gave us the warmest of welcomes. They were always on hand to assist and support, whilst completely trusting us to get on with the tasks of running a creative programme of arts for their guest families. There when needed, but always allowing us to use… read more
Alannah managed our tasks with great… read more
Our time was spent looking after Rachel: taking her down to the beautiful beach whenever the weather allowed (as Rachel does not drive), preparing the evening meal and popping in from time to time to check whether she needed shopping… read more
Photos
Friends
Feedback
Cristian and Corina gave us the warmest of welcomes. They were always on hand to assist and support, whilst completely trusting us to get on with the tasks of running a creative programme of arts for their guest families. There when needed, but always allowing us to use… read more
Alannah managed our tasks with great… read more
Our time was spent looking after Rachel: taking her down to the beautiful beach whenever the weather allowed (as Rachel does not drive), preparing the evening meal and popping in from time to time to check whether she needed shopping… read more