Kate Powell, the Anna Chaplain for Alton, has loved getting to know the older community of the town.

She has especially enjoyed their colourful life stories and attitudes to life, and her Growing Old Gracefully series shares the profiles of some of these amazing people and why they chose Alton to live out their final chapter of life.

Kate is now stepping down to start a new job as Chaplain to Seafarers in Southampton Docks, and so this final interview is with her.

1) How old are you and how long have you worked in Alton?

I am 50 and started my role as Anna Chaplain in Alton on March 1, 2022, which is nearly three years ago.

2) What made you choose Alton?

I had been a volunteer hospital chaplain at the Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester for three years, and over lockdown did a post-graduate diploma in chaplaincy at Waverley Abbey in Farnham.

I promised my husband I would get a job as a chaplain and couldn’t believe it when I saw the Anna Chaplaincy post in Alton being advertised as I completed my diploma. It felt as if God had lined it all up for me!

3) What do you like most about Alton?

The people are so down-to-earth and lovely and it has been a pleasure to work here.

I am so impressed by all the different groups and activities on offer for older people and have really enjoyed the community spirit.

I have loved pottering around the charity shops as there are some treasures to be found.

Alton is a great place with a lovely atmosphere and it is definitely on my list to consider as a retirement destination.

4) Tell me a little bit about a favourite time in your life?

Apart from my time as Anna Chaplain in Alton, I would have to choose the years I was a stay-at-home mum with my three children.

My mother died when I was ten so it was very important to me to spend as much time as possible with my children and I was lucky enough to have a husband who supported this.

We had to watch the pennies but it was worth it. We went camping for our holidays and I remember these as such joyful times.

My children didn’t go abroad until they were older but we never felt we missed out and got to know Britain well.

I realise how carefree it all felt and how I loved knowing exactly where my children were, which is not something I can say now they are older and have their own lives!

5) What are your hopes and dreams for the future?

I am not very good at thinking too far into the future but I do hope that I enjoy my new job as much as I have enjoyed this one and I hope to be able to spread a little of God’s love along my way…

For more information call Kate Powell on 07539 026546.