Here is the fourth interview in our 'Wilmslow People' series.
On a weekly basis I will be putting a set of similar questions to somebody local about their connection with Wilmslow and their thoughts about the town.
During the series the intention is to feature local people from a variety of backgrounds and different occupations. If you would like to feature in the 'Wilmslow People' series or suggest someone else then please email me.
Full name: Estelle Helen Goodwin
Age: 52
Occupation: I trained as a lawyer and worked in commercial and employment litigation but left around 2003 to build a house and spend more time with our family.
In late 2005 I went to Nairobi with my husband Phil on a business trip. We visited a number of charitable projects, one of which was in the vast Kibera slum. Words are inadequate to describe living conditions there. Up to 1 million people live in mud-walled shacks, with no electricity or running water. There are no rubbish collections or proper sanitation. HIV/Aids has taken the lives of many of my own generation and younger and there are high numbers of orphans. What we saw was so bad it was hard to speak. The contrast between my life and the lives of the Kibera mothers was vast. I knew how I would feel if I could not feed or educate my children. We were hosted by a small NGO, Riziki, who were trying to make a difference through a feeding programme. They lacked the funds to provide consistent help and when we came home I knew I had to do something.
KIN was set up in late 2006 with a committee drawn from friends. Our church (Wilmslow Methodist) was very supportive. Since those early days we have funded:
- 256 children to school and vocational training. Many Wilmslow residents sponsor KIN children as Guardians and receive an update each year on progress
- paid for the weekly feeding programme which feeds around 200 children and their caregiver
- held medical camps attended by hundreds of children for ENT, dental, eyes and general health
- run seminars to educate on parenting, reproductive health, business skills etc
- launched the hugely successful solar lamp project (650 households have benefited)
- supported a waste disposal project (754 clients and around 3000 who benefit)
- provided small business loans to more than 400 clients
- met many ad hoc needs whether these are for wellingtons and capes for the children during the rainy season, a scout uniform or for a caregiver to have an urgent cancer operation.
It feels like we have a huge extended family. The need remains endless and the financial cost is high (we have dispersed nearly £600,000 in the last seven years) but with the help of the fabulous KIN committee and all KIN's supporters and Guardians, we are making a difference and have seen lives changed and children grow to adulthood healthily and able to get work.
Marriage status: Married happily to Phil for nearly 30 years. Phil would say 'and never a cross word' but that isn't the absolute truth!
Any children?
Alice, married to Joel and expecting our first grandchild in January. Natalie, a theatre producer intern in London, John studying Structural Engineering and Architecture at Edinburgh University (he has been there so long he now qualifies to play for the Scottish National Lacrosse Team!) All the children had a great time at Gorsey Bank Primary.
Hobbies and interests?
Choral singing – wherever we have lived I have sung in choirs. Last night I sang the Brahms Requiem with Altrincham Choral Society at the RNCM. Reading – I'm in a local Book Group but am not yet a Kindle convert. Still have piles of books by the bed. Walking – we have a beagle who likes to stretch his legs. Skiing – last year managed a black run without crying.
Where do you live? We live off Kings Road, behind Pownall Hall School.
How long have you lived in Wilmslow? 23 years this Christmas, originally on Carrwood Road.
Where did you move from and why?
Newcastle upon Tyne. We'd been there for 2 years having moved from Epping in Essex (I confess to being an Essex girl). Phil worked for 3i (Investment Bank) and we relocated to Wilmslow with his job.
What do you most like about living in Wilmslow?
Having a great community and shops on the same doorstep as beautiful countryside.
What changes/improvements would you like to see in Wilmslow?
Better facilities for cyclists. A cinema would be nice. Although when we moved to Wilmslow the Rex was still open and we never actually went before it closed.
What have been the biggest changes to Wilmslow since you have been here?
The pedestrianisation of Grove Street, the bypass, Waitrose, the great improvements to the Carrs led by the Friends of the Carrs group, coffee shops everywhere!
What do you miss about the town that has since gone?
It feels a bit shallow to say I miss one restaurant but I did like Felicini. Also there was a large white period house on Hawthorn Lane that was demolished and apartments built in its place. That was a shame.
If there is one thing about Wilmslow you could eliminate what would it be?
It would be nice not to be scared of telling the taxi driver at Wilmslow station that you are only going to the end of Broad Walk.
Describe Wilmslow in three words? Location, Wonderful, Location
(trains to London in under 2 hours, 15 minutes to the airport, 25 minutes to the centre of Manchester, Wales and Lake District within easy distance)
What is your favourite way to spend a day out and about in Wilmslow or the surrounding area?
I really enjoy the airport walk, through Styal Woods up to the perimeter of the airport and back through Styal village. I like the contrast between technology and ancient woods. Not a plane spotter yet though!
What is the most underrated thing about Wilmslow?
The trees in Pownall Park. At this time of year driving up Broad Walk towards Gorsey Road the colours are fabulous. Over the years we have seen a number of the trees fall and it will be a sad day when they are all gone.
What are the main myths about Wilmslow? That everybody is rich and drives a Porsche.
Are you a member of a club or association based in the town?
We are Methodists and go to Water Lane Methodist Church. I am a governor of Gorsey Bank Primary School and on the Leadership & Management Committee. It's a very rewarding role and I'm pleased to be associated with such an excellent school.
If you didn't live in Wilmslow where would you want to move to?
Possibly the LLyen Peninsula where we have a cottage but I would miss my friends and all that Wilmslow offers. Sometimes I fantasise about getting on the first plane out of Manchester Airport to get away from my desk, but in reality I am a home body and am very happy here.
KIN are always keen to welcome new committee members. Their next fundraiser is a Race night on Saturday 30th November at Wilmslow Parish Hall. They would love to see more Wilmslow residents there! For more visit our events section.
