Hello, my name is Caroline Williams and I am the Finance Officer at the Brightwell.
I was born and grew up in Banbury Oxfordshire with 2 older brothers. After leaving school with 3 ‘A’ levels ( one in Latin- which is supposed to teach you logic !) – I was offered a chance to train as a Computer Programmer using Visual Basic. I worked for both HSBC Bank and later Crest Hotels before moving to Bristol for my husband’s job when we married in May 1988. In Bristol I joined a Software House in Queens Square and when I left to have my 1st child in 1991 I was very fortunate to be offered the chance to work for 2 colleagues who had branched out and set up their own Software Company .
I continued working part-time in the IT Industry for 9 more years whilst I had my 3 lovely children-whom I am immensely proud of - 2 sons and a daughter. During this time, I decided to have a complete career change. I resumed my studies and completed the IAB Book-keeping/ Payroll Exams and the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT). My claim to fame is that I was the Top Student in an IAB Examination in 2008 ! (maybe the Latin theory did work !)
I worked for several Accountancy Firms gaining a wealth of experience before deciding in July 2010 to become Freelance.
I absolutely love the variety of my work.
In Feb 2020, my mother passed away just before the start of Covid. We managed to move my father who has Dementia (now aged 96) from Banbury to the Hawthorns in Clevedon in December 2020 to be nearer to me.
This led to my unexpected hobby of Cold-Water Swimming in Clevedon Lake – where my Father who is aptly named ‘Bob’ is my biggest supporter. You will often see us at the Lake , although my father never remembers anybody from week to week !- but it works for him and makes him happy!
I am also now a very proud Nannie – and have 3 Beautiful Grandchildren – following the family tradition again - 2 boys- aged 9 and 6 and a beautiful little girl aged 1.
I am very much looking forward to the latest Fundraising Walk to School Challenge and will be getting my grandsons registered with their trackers
I started working for the Brightwell in January 2021.
During Lockdown my daughter was studying her Masters in Neuro Psychology from her Bedroom and I was always overhearing lectures about people with Neurological conditions. It fascinated me and we would discuss her studies which I found incredibly interesting.
When I saw the Finance Officer Job advertised in November 2020, I decided to apply as I also live locally in Bradley Stoke. My interview with Doro and Steve Cocks was over Zoom and although my background is IT – I struggled to turn my camera on for the Interview !
It has been so refreshing to work for an organisation that goes above and beyond to help people and I really enjoy my work.
The Staff, Trustees and amazing Volunteers are wonderful and the Centre now with the Café addition has a great Vibe to it.
I feel very privileged to be part of the Team.
Look forward to seeing you all at some point,
Caroline Williams.
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