Sailing through her life

No-one could accuse Gill Wicker of sailing through her life – whether that’s at work or play!

Gill worked in insurance from the age of 16 until just a few years ago when the company she was employed by refused to give her extended leave so she could fulfil a lifetime ambition.

That ambition was to take part in a sailing around the world race, which she accomplished with the blessing and support of Bramshott Grange where she works as a Host.

Gill explains: “I was semi-retired and thinking about doing something different than insurance and being a people person, I found this job and I love it.

“When I asked Pam, the Home Director, if I could be away for three months so I could take part in the race, she didn’t hesitate to say yes and just tell me when you will be back. That gives you an idea of the sort of place Bramshott is.”

Gill and her husband are keen sailors, having learned together and she took this a massive stage further when she was part of the crew which took part in, and won, the around the world race.

Her leg of the race took her close to places such as San Francisco, Costa Rica, Panama, Bermuda and the Caribbean.

“It was a wonderful experience to achieve a lifetime ambition at the age of 63 was amazing,” says Gill.

Gill then actually decided to retire full-time but was soon lured back (she didn’t take much persuasion!) to Bramshott Grange, initially as Bank Staff but then more permanently as Host.

This role includes taking food orders for rooms and overseeing the three dining areas in the homes.

Gill adds: “I love what I do: it doesn’t feel like work at all.

“Bramshott Grange is such a happy place with a lovely atmosphere and Pam and Maggie always take time at the end of the day to thank staff for all their work.

“I really missed it when I left so I was very happy to come back because Bramshott is like an extended family.

“One of the many things I brought back with me from the race was that teamwork makes the dream work and that perfectly sums up what it’s like at Bramshott.”