Meet Claire

Tell us a bit about yourself

I’m from New Zealand originally and have been living in the UK since 1981.

I’ve recently retired after a very rewarding and varied career in education. I’ve been a special needs advisor, a head teacher, an educational case manager with looked-after teenagers, team leader and advisory teacher with Traveller Education and a class teacher before that.

I have 3 grown-up daughters. My father is Italian, so I grew up with a love of good food and cooking.

Why did you decide to volunteer with Food etc?

I came across Food etc when Julie came to give a talk to the Learning for Pleasure group as it was this year’s nominated charity. I had set up and run cooking clubs at the school I was head at, so volunteering was a no brainer really.

What do you enjoy most about working with Food etc?

I love meeting different groups, both adults and children, and as someone new to the area it’s been a great way to meet like-minded people.

What would you say to someone considering volunteering with Food etc?

Volunteering is really rewarding and I’ve already learnt new skills and recipes.

What is your go-to healthy meal?

My favourite healthy go-to meal is orecchiette pasta cooked Calabrian style with broccoli, anchovies, garlic, chilli and Parmesan. One pot no fuss.