In an inspiring evening on 8th August 2023, Juliet Whatley, a distinguished resident of Aston Ingham, illuminated the W.I.’s meeting with captivating tales of her volunteer adventures. With memories spanning from the aftermath of the Sri Lanka Tsunami to the electric energy of the 2012 Para Olympics, Juliet’s stories echoed with resilience and human spirit.

Having volunteered in Sri Lanka a year post the devastating Tsunami, Juliet recounted her six-month-long experience in the nation’s countryside. The path to her remote accommodation was a challenging one – a long, bumpy van ride that led to what initially seemed a rudimentary shed. Despite its basic appearance, Juliet and a fellow volunteer soon grew fond of this place, with a caring young man ensuring their comfort.

Juliet’s primary role was in the local school. She painted a vivid picture of children whose enthusiasm for education sometimes took a backseat due to familial responsibilities in paddy fields. Her journey also included visits to an elephant sanctuary and a locale where tourists reveled in watching elephants bathe. Her bond with Sri Lanka was so profound that she returned to meet the locals she had become acquainted with.

But Sri Lanka wasn’t her only volunteering highlight. 2012 saw Juliet immerse herself in the Para Olympics. She narrated poignant stories of the incredible bond between horses and their differently-abled riders. From athletes overcoming significant physical challenges to the innovation in equipment that enabled the most challenged riders to partake, her tales resonated with admiration and respect. Blind riders, she mentioned, exhibited an incredible skill in counting strides during the dressage competitions.

Her volunteering spirit also took her to the Rio Olympics, and she gleefully mentioned her aspirations of attending a European event in Germany later this year.

The evening was visually enriched as Juliet showcased images from her Sri Lankan sojourn and her time at the 2012 Para Olympics on the projector screen. Adrian Missenden, who communicated the details of the meeting, conveyed the community’s deep appreciation for Juliet's experiences.