11/10/2026
We continue our band bios this week, introducing Penelope, one of our Saxophone players.
With so many volunteering roles and her passion for music, her story, and photos, are truly wonderful.
We particularly love the cute lemur but also impressed with the Italian Fencing gold medal from 2012 too. Read more below.
‘My Reflection on Volunteering
Volunteering is a way for me to experience life from many different perspectives. Over the years, I have been fortunate to have several opportunities to volunteer, each leading to entirely different environments and experiences.
My journey with it began on a large scale at the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics. Working as a Games Maker meant being part of a unique global event, where the energy of the crowds and the determination of the athletes offered a clear picture of what people can achieve when they come together.
As a volunteer zookeeper, over a two year period, I had the rare chance to assist with wildlife conservation, from feeding tigers to caring for fruit bats and lemurs. This hands-on work provided a completely different, practical understanding of nature.
After that role, it I volunteered locally in a junior school, working in the classroom allowed me to support young children as they learned to navigate new ideas, offering steady encouragement during their early school years.
I also volunteered for four years in a visitors education centre, where I curated art exhibitions for local artists to display their works.
Lately, my time is focused on music.
I got my sax 29 years ago and started to learn but family and career meant it soon got put to one side. I took it out of the cupboard about three years ago and got a tutor…
Now, every week, I meet up for rehearsals with the Saint Francis Hospice Concert Band. Preparing for our upcoming concerts brings its own set of demands, particularly the challenge of learning and mastering a constantly changing selection of new musical pieces.
Playing the alto saxophone alongside other musicians in this group is a completely different experience for me but one that has me hooked, not least for the sheer achievement but raising valuable funds for such an amazing organisation.
Whether working at a global sports event, caring for animals, or tackling a difficult new score during a weekly rehearsal, every single one of these experiences has left me with an immense sense of gratitude—and above all, they have all made me smile.’
Have you ever considered volunteering, or do you have a favourite memory from giving your time to a cause? We would love to hear your experiences—drop your stories in the comments below! 👇
