Edna

In 2002 I was a carer at Abbievale & Abbieside homes for the elderly, I did cleaning in all the rooms and washing. There were 14 rooms and I started at 8am and finished at 4pm. I liked my job and miss being there even though it was hard work. I have three boys Matthew 26, David 24, and John 22. They live in Peterculter near Aberdeen. Matthew is a lifeguard, David & John work on a farm. I was frightened at first when I came to the MRC but now I have lots of friends. There is a very friendly atmosphere, I get help with reading and writing and filling in forms, which is something that’s very difficult for me. I was nervous and embarrassed at first when I joined the computer group. I was too scared to speak to the trainer. Now after tying out some of the things I have been shown I’m not as nervous about trying new things and taking part. I am a volunteer at the British Heart Foundation shop in Elgin. I work there four days a week. It’s a nice and friendly shop. I’m learning about the till. I also volunteer for charity collection for the British Heart Foundation. I got involved with the charity through my husband, he is also volunteer. I get help with my reading and spelling and numbers from the Big Plus at the job centre, I am trying to do my European Computer Driving Licence at the library.

In April 2005 I hand to stand and read a poem to 74 people at an event at the town hall in Elgin organised by Adults Learners. I was really nervous, but I did it. The thought of getting up in front of everybody was really nerve-wracking. One of my ambitions is to fly in a plane. I have never flown before but would really like the chance even though I might be a bit nervous. I would also like to have a pen-pal, somebody abroad so that we could swap stories about our lives and countries.