Meet Our Volunteers: Patricia

Patricia Laws had a full house of fellow volunteers to interview her for this issue.

Billy: What encouraged you to become a volunteer with Clydesider?

Patricia: My daughter was working with Clydesider, she was doing a workshop and I went along.

It was as we were coming out of Covid, and it was in the Bandstand in Clydebank. Susan introduced me to Amanda.

I've always loved writing since being a child, but I hadn't thought about actually volunteering, but I spoke to Amanda that day, and then discovered when the next meeting would be, and then just came along, and the rest is history.

Janet: I'm interested to know who you are in the sense of what were you doing before you decided to join Clydesider?

Patricia: I was retired. I had been a teacher, beforehand. I taught French and Italian. And I have my family, my daughters, and my husband. We are all quite creative.

Suhaila: What’s your favourite article to write, and what advice would you give to people who want to be a volunteer?

Patricia: I've enjoyed all the different articles I've done.

I've recently been doing some heritage ones, and I'm enjoying these, because sometimes you don't visit things on your own doorstep, and it's interesting doing the research for something like that, and just trying to figure out how to put it all together.

And advice - I think it's good to push yourself.

The interview is a very different thing from writing a personal article, because you're actually interacting with someone, but most people are happy to tell you their story, just go gradually, talk a wee bit about them as you're starting off, and then eventually go into your questions.

Katy: Do you remember a story that's particularly stuck out for you?

Patricia: There have been quite a few. I've met so many brilliant people doing amazing stuff.

One of the articles was at the Vale of Leven Trust - a bike project, I enjoyed that one. Then I went to the choir in Dalmuir. I enjoyed interviewing them.

I also went to Bankie Talk – that's a talking newspaper for the blind and my dad helped set that up, so that was a very emotional one for me.

There's been numerous opportunities to meet people.

The most recent thing we've all done were the videos, that was very powerful.

The people working in our community behind the scenes, who don't want any recognition, don't want any awards, and they're just doing such good work.

Amanda: I’m going for the obligatory what’s your favourite biscuit question!

Patricia: Borders Gingers. However, I've been enjoying the Turkish Delights and the strawberries today.

Layla: I think we can all agree Clydesider is a very unique place to work. What in your mind makes Clydesider one of the best places to work?

Patricia: That's a big question! I think, because you can come in and you don't know from day to day what you're going to get to do, nothing's ever really structured.

We all sort of just get to chat together and get to know each other.

There's a variety of ages, people from all walks of life with different experiences.

And we've had new people joining us along the way. Some of us have been here, and known each other for awhile.

I just find it refreshing, every time I come and it's great to learn about the stuff that I didn't know that is going on.

Layla (bonus question): If you were to give advice to somebody thinking about volunteering for Clydesider, what would it be?

Patricia: If you're thinking about it, most definitely go along and you'll be welcomed.

And I would point out there is no pressure to perform. You can just come along and just be, just listen.

It doesn't matter how old you are or how young you are, just come along and you might find your niche. Also, you can get plenty of help and advice, I think your confidence will grow.

Steven: Has your teaching background helped in any way?

Patricia: I think it's made it a wee bit easier for me in terms of when you're doing interviews.

And probably the process of writing because I've been used to writing essays and stuff like that, so it's made it a wee bit simpler in that respect.

John: Do your own personal values marry up with those of Clydesider?

Patricia: I hope so. In terms of trying to report the best that is going on, because you do want to bring out the more positive and give a balance to all the bad news.

You want to shine a wee spotlight on people making a difference, or just bring a wee bit of hope and positivity.

I think some of the projects we've been involved in, it is very humbling to go along to interview these

people who are just there and they don't think they're doing anything great, and you're like, 'oh wow, you've really made a difference'. They're often the most humble individuals.

So yes, I would like to aspire to have the values we have in the magazine.

If you would like to find out more about becoming a Clydesider Volunteer, please contact jenny@clydesider.org

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