Charlie
A little bit about me
I’m married to James and we have two children – Robbie (11) and Livvy (8). We live in a little village near to Wotton-under-Edge. We also have a dog called Ziggy, a 3 year old Cocker Spaniel.
When I joined Puddle Ducks
I started working for Puddle Ducks in Bristol and Bath as a Poolside Assistant in 2009, quickly training as a teacher for them in 2010.
I set up the Gloucestershire franchise in 2011 with our first lessons taking place at The Shrubberies, Stonehouse in January 2012.
I also currently teach Swim Academy classes at the National Star College in Cheltenham, DW Fitness in Gloucester and Wycliffe School in Stonehouse.
What I love about my job
I love the flexibility to work around my family, whilst building a successful business and providing life-saving skills to so many children in Gloucestershire.
Memorable moments in the pool
I remember one of my first floaties (Eli) sleeping through his entire first lesson at 8 weeks old!
I also remember trying to teach my own children when they were preschool age and the stresses this brought me and my husband if they were having an off day! Thankfully not something we have to go through anymore.
Having seen lots of other children swim, my proudest moments are watching our Elite Swim Academy swimmers, most of whom have been through the Puddle Ducks programme and seeing their strokes compared to other children of the same age. My son’s 1000m front crawl swim, bi-lateral breathing the whole way at aged 10, was amazing.
My favourite class activity
I love teaching Level 1 Swim Academy and to see how our classes can take even the most nervous children and get them smiling in the pool… then Level 6 where they are swimming beautifully and you know you’ve done a fabulous job!
Other jobs I have done in the past
I have worked in hotels, for new homes builders and estate agents. It took me a while to find something I loved!
My hobbies and interests
I like to swim! I’m at my happiest when I can get to the pool a couple of times a week and swim a good mile or two. Other than that family walks, day trips and holidays – spending time with my family is very important.
My most memorable achievement
I’m extremely proud of the business and how it has grown from nothing to over 700 swimmers over the past 7 ½ years. All achieved whilst bringing up two children. It wouldn’t have been possible if it wasn’t for the wonderful team I have built around me.
My claim to fame!
I met the queen when I was a Brownie… I don’t remember much about it other than waiting for hours to shake her hand!
My favourite animal
Pigs – ever since my parents gave me a cuddly pig teddy aged 8. His name is Wilfred and he still sleeps next to my bed!
My favourite place in the world
The beach! Either Tenerife or Tenby – I love them both equally – the sound of the sea and sand beneath my feet…
My favourite food
Ice cream… I could eat my way through a whole tub!