1. What’s your volunteer role? I volunteered to design the BEA database, and I now support and develop it as new requirements arise. I also help deliver newsletters, assisted in the past at Singing for the brain and do occasional poetry recitals at Bramley Lawn.
2. How long have you been a volunteer? Since September 2012
3. Why did you get involved? My hours in my paid job at WEA had to be reduced, so I had time on my hands. As I’ve got older I’ve realised the value in supporting the older generation. It won’t be long before I’ll be there myself!
4. Three words that sum up BEA for you? Concerned, enquiring, compassionate
5. What do you get out of volunteering? A feeling of wellbeing, and networking with my local community.
6. What else do you like doing? Opera (listening to and going to), cycling, visiting charity shops in search of bargains, reading poetry
7. Where were you born? St Mary’s Hospital, Armley
8. What’s your favourite film? Any film with Charles Laughton (such as Witness for the Prosecution)
9. And your favourite book? Too many to mention! The one I’m reading at the moment is a biography of Mozart’s librettist, Lorenzo da Ponte.
10. Tell us one interesting fact about yourself I have, and have always had, a secret yearning to be an opera singer!

February 2016