Tina and Ian Jenkins and Ted and Jan Heriot volunteer with Queenscliff charity Cottage by the Sea, looking to enhance the lives of children through fun holiday opportunities. The four volunteers speak with Independent’s Jena Carr about what they like about living in the Bellarine.
What is your connection to Queenscliff and the surrounding area?
“After working in the pharmacy at Queenscliff and recently retiring in September, I became part of the community and experienced the spirit of the town,” Tina said.
“Retiring eight years ago, I have got to know Queenscliff and the Bellarine area now having more time to explore,” Ian said.
“We (Ted and Jan) bought a house in Clifton Springs in 1989 and until we retired, this was our holiday house,” Ted said.
What do you like about where you live?
“Being on the Bellarine in Drysdale, both Ian and I love the sounds of the steam trains, the numerous seaside towns to visit, the wineries, farm gate, and walking the Rail Trail,” Tina said.
“The pace of life on the Bellarine Peninsula is nowhere as busy as Melbourne and in no time, we made many friends in the area,” Ted said.
“There are many lovely drives around the waterfront, and we have made many friends since living here,” Jan said.
What, if anything, would you change about where you live?
When asked, the four volunteers said there was “nothing” they would change about where they lived as it had everything they needed.
Where is your favourite place to spend time?
“We both (Tina and Ian) enjoy time with friends, especially going out for a coffee and a chat and sometimes a picnic overlooking the water on a perfect day,” Tina said.
“Over the past 23 years, I have spent quite a bit of time involved in the Geelong Car Club and both Jan and I really enjoy Queenscliff and the surrounding roads,” Ted said.
“We both love the MG Car Club and all the other organisations I am involved with as a volunteer,” Jan said.
What is something people may not know about you?
“I worked as a trained theatre nurse for 47 years,” Jan said.
“I started my working life as an electrician, but I hated working on the tall buildings. Very quickly, I began working at the RACV in the finance department,” Ted said.
“I’m a bookworm and enjoy reading several books at once,” Ian said.
“Until I was married, I had never lived in a house as my parents had hotels which were our family home,” Tina said.
What do you like about your role with Cottage by the Sea, and how did you get involved with them?
“I am a member of the VIEW Club, and we were invited to join Cottage as a volunteer about 15 years ago,” Jan said.
“Two ladies had a stint in hospital and Jan asked me to help out for a short time, but little was I to know that this was going to be a long time,” Ted said.
“I love being a small part of a big and wonderful volunteer group, and seeing the happiness and joy brought to the children is very rewarding indeed,” Tina said.
“The day I retired from work; I was asked what I was going to do on the Monday when everyone else was going to work. My wife told me that I was volunteering at Cottage by the Sea,” Ian said.
