Katherine

United Kingdom
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Profile information

Travel information
I am currently
At home
Description
Hello! I'm Kate. I live in Brighton in the UK. I’m taking an 18 month career break whilst I’m still young (ahem!), healthy and physically fit enough to be helpful to others. My hopes for this time are to meet interesting people, learn new skills and explore and experience new places, whilst also being useful.

I have worked in the National Health Service for over 25 years as an Audiological Scientist, helping hearing impaired and dizzy individuals. It therefore goes without saying that I know how to work hard, be reliable and really enjoy helping people. Over the years I have done a lot of (mostly short term) voluntary work; conservation work, carer, cathedral maintenance, family companion in New York, short maintenance projects in Uganda and Portugal. More recently, I went on a couple of trips (Borneo and Uzbekistan) designed for visually impaired/blind people where the sighted travellers acted as guides, which appealed to my desires of travel and being helpful! I also worked in New Zealand for 18 months which allowed me to explore the southern hemisphere more, have some amazing interactions with wildlife and introduced me to two of my continued loves which are aquafit and wild swimming.

Since childhood I have been an enthusiastic advocate for nature and wildlife conservation. My first degree was Biological Sciences majoring in Zoology. I really hope that during this time I can observe and learn more about sustainability and self-sufficiency as I endeavour to leave a lighter footprint on this amazing earth.

I’d describe myself as caring, creative and practical, I love making things and repurposing unwanted stuff. I enjoy craft of all sorts; pottery, felting, sewing, basic woodworking etc. Having owned my own property for many years, I’ve had plenty of DIY opportunities!

So in summary, what brings me happiness is nature, creativity, curiosity and helping others.
Interests
Cooking & food
Beach
Music
Yoga / Wellness
Fitness
Movies & TV
Outdoor activities
Plant care
Nature
Sustainability
History
Drawing & painting
Gardening
Hiking
Farming
Dancing
DIY & crafts
Culture
Charity work
Carpentry
Books
Art & design
Architecture
Animals
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: Beginner
Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn
I'm interested in:
Eco Projects
Art Projects
Gardening
Animal Care
Life at a Farmstay
Charity Work
Teaching
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Hospitality/Tourism
General Maintenance
Languages
Some knowledge of:
Being an elderly companion
DIY and building projects
Helping around the house
More details about your skills
I have a lot of expertise in ear-related matters but I don’t suppose there is much call for that! Having said that it does mean that I have received regular training in Basic Life Support (CPR) and Fire Safety and am confident interacting with people of all ages and abilities (physical and cognitive). I have had volunteer roles caring for adults and children. I have plenty of experience in house painting and minor repair work (filling, sanding etc), some basic animal care, scrub clearance, coppicing, use of power tools (not chainsaws though). I have certainly done garden maintenance (weeding, soil improvement, raking leaves etc) and like to think I have a reasonable plant identification knowledge, but I have not had the pleasure of owning one so have no experience of propagating, pruning and the like. However all my family are keen gardeners so plenty of advisors on hand.
I am very used to working on my own. I am very conscientious so will always ask for clarification if I’m not sure on something.
Age
51
What else ...
I appreciate beauty, be it nature’s or human-made, so in addition to being outdoors I also enjoy art galleries and architecture. I really enjoy watching films, books, podcasts, certain games (Ticket to ride and 6 Nimmt are favourites), spending time with family and friends and having a dance even if it’s just in my kitchen! Thank you for taking the time to read my profile.
Some more information
- Smoker
- Driver's licence
- Allergies
  No
- Special dietary requirements
  No

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16 Dec 2024

Left by host (Join the family and help with ...) for Workawayer ()

Kate was amazing! She stayed with us for a month but she left a much longer=lasting impression. She really became a member of the family, she was great with my mother and she took charge in organizing quite a few rooms and places that needed it for a long time... She is kind, considerate, calm, professional and we miss seeing her in the morning in… read more

(Excellent )

15 Oct 2024

Left by Workawayer () for host (Join the family and help with ...)

I spent four wonderful weeks at Dorian's chateau. He and his mother Elena are very interesting people and it was a pleasure hearing their stories and meeting their friends and family.
For most of my stay I had a beautiful bedroom to myself, just having to move in with another (lovely) Workawayer when there were several visitors. The food was… read more

(Excellent )

25 Oct 2024

Left by host (Help with dog sitting and ...) for Workawayer ()

Hosting Kate was an absolute pleasure. She brought a wonderful calmness to our home. Kate was not only very helpful, but she did so with an open-minded and easygoing attitude that made her a joy to have around. We’d be more than happy to host her again anytime!

(Excellent )

16 Oct 2024

Left by Workawayer () for host (Help with dog sitting and ...)

This is a truly wonderful opportunity to stay with a really interesting and relaxed family. The house and grounds are stunning and we were blessed with several days of glorious autumn sunshine that showcased the beautiful surrounding countryside perfectly. James' meals are delicious and wholesome and it was a pleasure to cook in their lovely… read more

(Excellent )

25 Jun 2024

Left by host (Learn new skills in property ...) for Workawayer ()

Kate was with us for a month and settled in well and got on with everyone. She is a generous and considerate woman who was interested in everything and everyone. Whether she was sanding and oiling the garden furniture, moving furniture, gardening or wall building, she did it with care. Kate was always there to help with the washing up, emptying… read more

(Excellent )

25 Jun 2024

Left by Workawayer () for host (Learn new skills in property ...)

This was my first Workaway experience and I chose Paul and Julia because they have been hosting for over a decade and could write a manual on the topic (with some hilarious anecdotes, Paul is a natural storyteller and Julia equally funny). The conversations we had around the dinner table ...

On the subject, I have never been so well fed in all my… read more

(Excellent )

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