Andrew

United Kingdom
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Profile information

Travel information
I am currently
Travelling
My next destination:
Italy - from Jun 2025 until Aug 2025
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Description
I am extremely excited about retiring soon after my 64th birthday and travelling in early 2025. I embraced workaway in Portugal for 1 month in 2023 and then I travelled across Europe for 3 months in 2024 and I intend to do the same in spring/summer 2025 when I permanently change my lifestyle.

I am a solo traveller who has a desire to work and contribute whilst exploring. I have my own transport. My main opportunities for work will be in the agricultural industries, including fruit farms and vineyards. I am also available to house and farm sit or to help with DIY or help with restoration projects. I am a competent cook, albeit with limited experience, and i am also a qualified mathematics teacher and sports coach.

On the workaway website, it says that there is no upper age limit, but i am realistic with my expectations as, although i am fully fit and have no health issues, i may not be able to match the pace and intensity of some of the younger generation. I will be travelling alone in my own transport. As a former military officer of 30 years, i am able to problem solve and handle challenges with calm composure.

I stumbled on workaway website by accident and have viewed the content with great interest; i am hoping that this community will be the gateway to the next phase of my life.

kind regards, Andrew
Interests
Sailing / Boating
Self development
Pets
Outdoor activities
Nature
Mountain
Languages
Hiking
Gardening
Farming
Cycling
Cooking & food
Carpentry
Camping
Architecture
Animals
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: Beginner
Portuguese: Beginner
More details about my language interests
keen to learn as a beginner
Find a language buddy
Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn
I'm interested in:
Life at a Farmstay
Eco Projects
Animal Care
Charity Work
Some knowledge of:
Gardening
DIY and building projects
General Maintenance
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Helping around the house
Hospitality/Tourism
Teaching
More details about your skills
proficient at DIY. Fitted my own bathroom furniture, erected sheds, built garden furniture, painting and decorating.
Rent an allotment and grow my own vegetables;
Coached and taught in schools;
looked after pets as a house sitter.
Age
64
What else ...
I have been interested in wine selection and tasting;
Interested in all sports
Some more information
- Smoker
- Driver's licence
- Allergies
- Special dietary requirements

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11 Nov 2024

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

Andrew nous a offert un soutien précieux durant son séjour dans notre ferme en été 2024. Nous étions à la période des foins où des bras supplémentaires sont toujours les bienvenus. Il a rattelé les talus, préparé les andains dans les prés avant le ramassage du foin, arrangé la récolte de foin dans la grange. Au jardin potager, il s’est occupé du… read more

(Excellent )

28 Jul 2024

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

I was fortunate enough to be offered a workaway on the Swiss Farm of Anne-Elisabeth and René. On arrival, Elisabeth introduced me to René, Raoul and Lucy and made sure I settled in quickly.

It is a busy working farm and therefore provided me with an unique opportunity to be involved in something new and exciting. Elizabeth, an experienced host,… read more

(Excellent )

12 Aug 2024

Left by Workawayer () for host (Great opportunity to help ...)

I had a short workaway with Elleri in Normandy after a long, but very rewarding 3 month workaway journey across Europe. Eleri was the perfect host and embraced the workaway culture by making my time with her as much about my traveling experience as it was about doing the tasks that she asked of me. On arrival, we discussed help that I could… read more

(Excellent )

7 Jul 2024

Left by host (Join us at our beautiful ...) for Workawayer ()

Andrew is the kind of Workaway volunteer you dream about.

He reached out to us months ago, and after carefully studying our profile, arrived at our home. When he settled in and studied our needs, after suggestions, discussions and advice, he executed a plan, and left us with a beautifully finished project: A gorgeous redesigned wallpaper scheme… read more

(Excellent )

27 Jun 2024

Left by Workawayer () for host (Join us at our beautiful ...)

My workaway experience with John and Michaela lasted a full 6 weeks. During my time at Le Château, I met a number of workaways and other permanent members of the Château team. Without exception, every member of the team was always willing to offer help or support to me or to each other. This team approach is a direct reflection of how John and… read more Michaela embrace the workaway culture of creating an all inclusive environment in which, irrespective of background, everyone is made to feel welcome. My time disappeared in a flash and before I knew it, I was packing my bags and saying farewell and exiting the imposing Château gates for one final time.

Despite the enormity of the project, there is a sense of calm with time set-aside for unhurried meals, conversation and relaxing inclusive card or board games. Accommodation is within the Château and is first class and each workaway is expected to keep their own space neat and tidy and to leave it as found. Meals are together with workaways expected to contribute in the kitchen and dining room. John and Michaela create a family orientated atmosphere and fun and laughter are part of daily Château life.

As one would expect, standards at Le Château are high and workaway tasks and jobs are carefully crafted and allocated to make sure everyone is comfortable and capable of delivering; however, John and Michaela have so many ideas in their vision, there is something for everyone to excel at. From my own experience, my tasks changed many times before and after I arrived as opportunities presented themselves. From stripping, renovating plaster and wallpapering one of the Château reception rooms, to stripping and renovating the exterior paintwork, to feeding the horses or entertaining the dogs or preparing an evening meal or two. Many required a close working relationship with the resident builder, despite significant limitations in my language skills, we developed a close relationship that reflected everything that was positive about my workaway experience.

The imposing and impressive Château is set in a rural, quiet location surrounded by picturesque countryside. Although not essential, having my own transport was extremely valuable and enabled me to get out and about at the weekend to make the most of south west France. There are so many great places to visit, but they do require significant travel time.

If you are lucky enough to get the chance of a workaway with Michaela and John, embrace !!!

(Excellent )

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11 Nov 2024

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

(Excellent)

28 Jul 2024

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

(Excellent)

12 Aug 2024

Left by Workawayer () for host (Great opportunity to help ...)

(Excellent)

7 Jul 2024

Left by host (Join us at our beautiful ...) for Workawayer ()

(Excellent)

27 Jun 2024

Left by Workawayer () for host (Join us at our beautiful ...)

(Excellent)

1 Nov 2023

Left by host for Workawayer ()

Fantastic workawayer - we would highly recommend, very trustworthy and reliable. Happy to get on with things (painted the courtyard and did alot of much needed gardening) and took great care of the dogs and house while we were away.
Thank you for all your help Andrew, enjoy your next adventure and always remember you are welcome back

(Excellent)

25 Oct 2023

Left by Workawayer () for host (Help with painting and ...)

This was my first workaway and i was lucky enough to get to stay with Christina who embraces the workaway culture. It was great to share my expectations and, as an experienced traveller and host, Christina offered me a wealth of her own experiences. I spent three weeks at the farmhouse and I enjoyed my time helping out with the dogs and doing some… read more

(Excellent)

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