Jules, or the ‘Silver-Haired Backpacker’ as she is fondly known, set off on an adventure of a lifetime in 2012, having decided that she would pack up her home, sell her belongings on ebay and – giving herself a monthly budget of £300 – make her way around the world. Realising after a year that by volunteering, couch-surfing, house or pet-sitting and bartering, she could both fund her trip, save money and significantly reduce her mortgage, Jules extended her adventure and embarked on another nine years of travel around the world.

Embodying the School’s motto of ‘Live Adventurously’, Jules shared her experiences at locations including:

• Sailing over 22,000 nautical miles
• A year backpacking in South America
• Antarctica
• Asia Island hopping
• Japan
• China
• Australia 2015
• Caribbean
• Kruger National Park and Cape Town
• St Helena
• Ascension Island
• Europe – France, Spain, Portugal
• And more!

Finally returning home in 2022, and with memories to last a lifetime, Jules reflected on the way in which her travel experiences helped her to gain perspective on her life to date. She gave suggestions for how to volunteer and work around the world, as well as providing comfort and advice about planning ahead while also being spontaneous, making friends and meeting new people. We were invited to reflect on the nature of education and the learning that can be done via real-life experiences (both the highs and the lows).

Jules said, “I am delighted that this centuries old, independent Quaker school continues to flourish, sharing these fantastic facilities, opportunities and wonderful values with the local community. Sidcot is a bright light of subtle faith, leading by example, and taught me to see the good in everyone – something that set me in great stead on my travels.”

Commenting, Holly (Upper Sixth Alumni Link Office Holder) said, “Jules shared some beautiful images from her travels and it was really exciting to see how it’s possible to take a leap, be brave and self-fund a trip of that extent – a real adventure. Thank you Jules.”

Sidcot’s Darwen Lectures were introduced as Whole School events in 1993 as a tribute to the Davies family, which has been linked to Sidcot for over 100 years.  Several generations of the family, including the first and second Lord and Lady Darwen, attended the School.  The lectures have been established as a contribution to the continuing debate on the future of education and wider society.  Follow this link to see the video of her 10 Year Adventure.