Jessica Bone

Reflecting on an active third age: Jessica Bone nee Gardner (BHS 1967 -1979) 

I have been surprised to find that, in my 60th year, I have started all manner of new projects. In my earlier life, I used to think that I would have ‘had it’ by now! But life is better than ever. Here’s a quotation I have found from an American authoress of the Victorian period, which is currently my desktop wallpaper:   

"Though it sounds absurd, it is true to say I felt younger at sixty than I felt at twenty.
- Ellen Glasgow 

After living abroad for five years, we have settled in Devizes, a busy market town of startling variety and vitality in eastern Wiltshire. I have started my own business again, offering Spanish and French language classes to adults, hiring a classroom in the Canal Museum at an hourly rate. I have also become very involved in The Wharf Theatre a charming, small venue right on the canal side in town. I perform on stage or work front of house; we are currently in rehearsal for The Importance of Being Earnest which runs at the end of January 2024. I joined the Wharf Writers’ Group last September; we have produced a series of 12 varied podcasts called Where’s the Cat? (available to download free wherever you get your podcasts). Wednesdays see me spending all day with my baby grandson, Gideon, which is a delightful (if rather wearing) occupation!

I have recently enjoyed meeting up with another OG, Gillian Godber (née Harper). Gillian was in Devizes during the summer as part of the annual Pilgrimage organised by the Diocese of Arundel & Brighton.”