Job/Life talk

15th September 2022 ‘Job Talk’ – Gail Parkinson

Member Gail Parkinson began her talk by sharing with us her early life. Born in Leicester, Gail was an only child who was taken to ballet and tap lessons as a young girl which she loved enormously. This passion followed through into her adult life and although was only average academically, her skills in this area along with other areas of PE enabled her to go to one of the top PE colleges, I.M.M Marsh in Liverpool. From here it was evident that the next step would be to begin a career in teaching sport as she loved the outdoors and couldn’t envisage herself working inside. Her specialisation was always in her first love of dance. 

Almost all her teaching career was at Toot Hill School, but she did short volunteering trips teaching English in a school in St Lucia and a Buddhist monastery Kathmandu.

She decided not to return to Leicester but to Nottingham where she started her career at Toot Hill. The facilities were amazing and she has fond memories especially the many camping & walking trips.  

Gail married and had two children. In those days women usually retired from work but Gail returned to teaching as soon as she could. She is proud of her children who are now married with children of their own. 

Before retiring Gail enroled in a counselling course at Grantham FE College and after 10 weeks decided to enrol for another year. This then took her into a degree course at Nottingham University which she completed just before retiring from Toot hill. Having no intention at all to become a counsellor she joined CASY  (Counselling & Support for Young People) based in Newark (offering one to one confidential service to young people mostly in school). Gail finds this work very interesting and rewarding as so many youngsters are faced with anxieties and mental issues more today than ever. 

Gail concluded with “My love of walking and dance continues to this day”. 

David Eldridge as stand in President gave the vote of thanks and applauded Gail for her 2-day preparation life story. We all enjoyed the evening very much and are queueing for counselling!!!       JH