An Interview with Jill Gant, former Trustee at St Ethelwold’s House

Born in 1938, Jill’s early years were spent in Ewell, near Epsom where she had a suburban childhood, attending Epsom Grammar School. Jill then went to Cambridge where she studied biological sciences, including physiology and psychology.

Jill joined the BBC in 1960 as a General Production Trainee, where she learned radio and TV production. She then became a science programme producer, and eventually was the Editor of ‘Horizon’ documentaries.

Jill left the BBC when she started a family, and then became a part-time education social worker for the Inner London Education Authority. Then, by promotion, she became the Manager of the Greenwich Borough Service. When the ILEA was abolished and Jill’s post ceased to exist, she then became the Principal Education Social Worker for Derbyshire, from which she retired in 1992.

In 1997 Jill and her (then retired) husband moved to Abingdon to be close to their children and grandchildren. Throughout her life, Jill has been involved in voluntary work of various kinds and founded some new voluntary organisations. In Abingdon, for example, Jill founded Abingdon EarthCare which, among other things, initiated the Farmers’ Market.

Shortly after Jill arrived in Abingdon, she discovered St Ethelwold’s whose tranquil atmosphere and spiritual purpose greatly appealed to her. Very soon Jill became involved, for four years as a Trustee, and then as a volunteer supporter.

In her interview, Jill Gant talks about the spiritual nature of the house and how fulfilling the role of a trustee and project co-ordinator was for her during her time here. She explains how the actions of the various people involved with St Ethelwold’s have succeeded in their mission to create an atmosphere that Dorothea would have wanted.

Three words: “Tranquillity, beautiful, spirituality,"

“Calm, restful, positive.”

“Being part of St Ethelwold’s has been one of the most fulfilling roles.”

“A place of great spiritual strength.”