The Clevedon Spotlight talks with Veronica Baker about her work experiences, new challenges and her memories of early life in Clevedon.


What has been your biggest achievement yet?


What sort of challenges have you had to overcome to get to the position you are in today?


My biggest challenge was to come to terms with being made redundant after 34 years service. My peers, colleagues and patients were like having a second family. I left school at the age of 16 to work at a Doctors surgery, where I grew, blossomed, gained experience and confidence throughout my training within various roles. I thoroughly enjoyed going to work, every day was different and interesting. I started as an office junior then progressed on to a receptionist, medical secretary and practice assistant which included Health & Safety / Infection Control. I had completed training in practice management but had decided not to pursue this career as it was no longer the job it used to be. Many changes were implemented over the years due to pressures and expectations of change within the NHS.


Over the years I had thoroughly enjoyed organising celebration / social events for colleagues and family, therefore during the redundancy process I had decided it was time for a career change.


I applied to be a funeral arranger. Fortunately I was offered the position. I have completed my training over 18 months and have gained a diploma in funeral care. There are more aspects to this position than one would expect. My position is very professional, which includes confidentiality, empathy, patience, understanding, with excellent communication, organisation and keyboard skills. I am helping and supporting families through one of their most difficult times in life. I have gained knowledge and experience during the progression of time. Within this role it is crucial to regularly liaise with third parties to confirm booked arrangements. This list is extensive due to the requirements of our clients. It is important to offer a wide choice of possibilities to allow clients to make decisions and gain reassurance that they have given their loved one a memorable service.


I am now approaching my third year within this profession and can honestly say I am passionate about my work, it is challenging but most of all rewarding, to help, guide and support and see the transition of my clients / families travelling through a very difficult time in their lives, but coming through the other side with positive thoughts.


I am continually developing to progress to further development for my future aspirations.


What advice would you give to people wanting to pursue a similar career path?


Past experience is not essential or required. Professional training will be given to the successful candidate. However, it is useful to have good communication, organisation, keyboard and people skills. There are occasions when contact with the deceased is necessary, therefore anyone considering this career I would recommend, to carefully think before applying.


However, anything is possible, never give up, follow your dreams and aspirations.


What fond memories do you have of early life Clevedon?


In 1966 I attended a wedding reception on the pier as a bridesmaid to my Aunt and Uncle at the age of 3 years. Such a shame part of the pier collapsed in 1971! This was the year the family moved from a 7 bedroomed guest house in Cornwall to Wellington Terrace, Clevedon. I can remember throughout my teenage years, the lovely, warm welcoming from our jeans stockists: Lockyer’s and Wilson’s. Purchasing my first pair of heels from ‘Jet Shoes’ at Jet Garage, Kenn.


Defibrillator Box Wanted for Clevedon United FC W


e are looking for a sponsor to provide a


Defibrillator box that can be put up at Clevedon United Football Club. We have the Defibrillator but


need the box. Whoever pays for it will get FREE advertising at the club including internal and external signage (name and supplier), this will allow our Defibrillator


to be accessed 24/7 by members of the local community.


If interested, please contact Chris Connor on: 07800 545 451


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