Sadly after 17 years of inspirational work with the City Mission, Linda Bolton is saying farewell to us. Her retirement won’t be quiet and full of walks along Eastbourne seafront, as she is going to be working alongside her husband in their charity Crossover.
We caught up with her and got her thoughts from the last 17 years.
“Looking back over the last 17 years of my time with the City Mission, I have wonderful memories that make me smile, laugh and cry all at the same time! Smiling at memories of the faces of the children mesmerised by the action whether in clubs or assemblies, laughing at the memories of the fun assemblies – particularly being doused with tomato sauce or witnessing Pete as the Pantomime Dame waving his feather duster about, and crying because the memories of one of the best chapters of my life is coming to a close.
Working with the City Mission has given me opportunities that I would never have had. I have been able to work with young people from around the world, learning from them as they adjusted to the British way of life and communication! Taking them into our schools and giving the children and staff insight into their cultures was an incredibly rewarding experience.
I also had the opportunity of a mission trip to Bolivia visiting Vero, who was one of our overseas volunteers. What a privilege it was to be part of her family and joining her church’s mission trip to a tribe in the jungle. All of the teams I have been able to work with have been such a blessing and huge fun, whether from the UK or abroad.
As well as the incredibly fulfilling mission to the schools I have also been fortunate and blessed to have had the support and encouragement of the City Mission team at all levels, the trustees and the amazing supporters over the years. Thank you one and all for enabling me to accomplish and realise the call of God on my life to be a teacher. I missed it at an early age but the City Mission brought it to life. Much better late than never! Thank you!”
