Introduction to the 2016 Team

CHRIS WYCHERLEY

I have just retired from teaching maths to adult students in a college of further education in Wolverhampton. I have moved to Anglesey with my husband, Clive, so that we can enjoy the amazing countryside and coast line of North Wales.

My husband and I were also heavily involved in Scouting in Wolverhampton, working at first with cubs (age 8 to 10years) and then with Explorer Scouts (age 14 to 18 years). I am therefore used to working with young people and committing on a voluntary basis. I was also a member, for over twenty years, of the St. Chad’s bell ringers at my local church before moving to Wales.

I am really looking forward to working with a different group of people and experiencing a way of life completely different to my own. I hope that I can make a positive contribution to the work of Hands and show that ordinary people from different parts of the world care about the work that they are doing. Hopefully I will then be able to spread knowledge of this work within my own community and come home with a greater understanding and knowledge of another culture, with falls in with the scouting ethos, that we are all members of a worldwide family.

Introduction to the 2016 Team

MARK THOMAS

My name is Mark, I am married with two children. I volunteer  at one of St Andrews Church youth club's each week and have supported many children and young people over the past several years.

I am  school based Social Worker and Trainee Counsellor and work in a school in Bedford. It's a great environment to work in with some challenging children along with some fantastic and unique individuals.

I have volunteered over many years supporting vulnerable children and families, I have always wanted to develop this volunteering but in another country and this trip to South Africa gives me that opportunity. To have the opportunity to support the Care Workers, children and families within some of the communities I hope to gain a different insight to how others experience hardship. I have always strived to empower others to fully achieve their own potential and I hope to have the opportunity to do this whilst on this journey. I may even empower myself through the enrichment of others diversity and culture. This maybe a once in a lifetime opportunity for me so I have to make it worthwhile and embrace any challenges it brings.

With the support of my family and friends and the people I am making this journey with I hope to grow both spiritually and emotionally.

Introduction to the 2016 Team

CLIVE WYCHERLEY

I have just retired from for an engineering company in Wolverhampton, working as a software engineer. I have moved to Anglesey with my wife, Chris, so that we can enjoy the amazing countryside and coast line of North Wales.

My wife and I were also heavily involved in Scouting in Wolverhampton, working at first with cubs (age 8 to 10years) and then with Explorer Scouts (age 14 to 18 years). I am therefore used to working with young people and committing on a voluntary basis.

I am really looking forward to working with a different group of people and experiencing a way of life completely different to my own. I hope that I can make a positive contribution to the work of Hands and show that ordinary people, from different parts of the world, care about the work that they are doing. Hopefully I will then be able to spread knowledge of this work within my own community and come home with a greater understanding and knowledge of another culture, which falls in with the scouting ethos, that we are all members of a worldwide family.

Introduction to the 2016 Team

SUSAN ROWLEY

Hi my name is Susan Rowley I work as a Salon Manager/Hairstylist. I have a very busy life juggling work home and looking after my 3 amazing Grandchildren, I am also a qualified florist so I like to do this in my spare time.

I became very interested in the trip to South Africa last year so when the opportunity came along for me to be able to go this year I knew it was one not to be missed. For me this trip will mean stepping outside of my very comfortable comfort Zone, but a step I am prepared to make as I appreciate that I have and live a very blessed life and I felt this was my chance to give something back to the less blessed along with getting a better understanding of their lives and cultures. I hope with the guidance of Hands at Work I will be able to help in some small way. 

Also it is an opportunity to share a life changing experience with Claire one that we can treasure for years to come.