As training gets underway at the new Learning Centre this week, Medical Education Manager, Becky Colwill, pictured middle, tells us more about her home life, and how it's an exciting time for education and training at CHFT.

Tell us a little about yourself

I am the Medical Education Manager for CHFT and I have been with the Trust and Medical Education for nearly 26 years.

I'm a farmer’s daughter and granddaughter (it’s in our blood), so no surprise that my husband John is a farmer and we have two teenage boys, Luke and Ryan. We live on a farm in Penistone along with 300 pedigree Texel sheep, 12 cows (five of which are my prized pedigree Limousins – Rosemary, Ritz, Tulip, Truffle and Ulrika). Then to add to the mix, my sister and I also breed dressage horses, which we got into while the kids were younger, and we both were not riding and competing as much. Now they are getting older, I have just got back in the saddle again.

I also spend a lot of time supporting both my sons with Tug of War competitions up and down the country, for some reason I ended up being Club Secretary for their team, not quite sure how that happened.  Last year they represented England for the first time and got very well-earned silver medal... going for gold this year.

When I am not busy with my family, work, horses and the farm, I love going out for walks with my dogs, going out with friends and family and if time does allow a good film or series on Netflix... which I am now looking for recommendations as we head into the lambing season (I need something to keep up on my nightshifts).

I think it’s safe to say, I’m never bored.

And tell us a bit about your role

I became CHFT’s Medical Education Manager almost two years ago. The role is certainly one that keeps me busy, and no two days are ever the same.

There are so many things within this role that I will find myself doing, which is why I have loved being in Medical Education for so long. Whether it is supporting colleagues with educational matters, being a sounding board to doctors or students unsure of their next path, looking at ways of developing education and training within CHFT, delivering inductions, or ensuring both our Learning Centres are functioning to their best.

It's varied, and challenging at times, but most of all rewarding, which is why one part of my role that I do love is seeing medical students come back to CHFT as newly qualified doctors or as a consultant. It’s like watching your children grow...  It’s a lovely feeling, especially when they call in to say “hello” again and talk about what they have been up to.

It must be exciting opening the new Learning Centre at CRH. How have you been involved and what do you think colleagues will love most about the new facility?

Yes, it is very exciting! I cannot believe we are there now, as the old saying goes “good things come to those who wait”... our new space is fantastic, and I cannot wait to see how people react to it when they come in for the first time.

I came late into the initial planning stages of our new centre, but I like to think that I had probably the best bit in helping to decide how we wanted our new centre to look internally both in terms of layout, furnishings and décor. It’s been a great first project to work on and I have been lucky working with some great colleagues, who with their expertise and help have been a real asset in helping shape what the new centre has become.

I think our colleagues will love the light, modern and airy feel it gives as you walk through building, and I hope it will allow people to feel like they can switch off from ‘work mode’ when they come for training and teaching. It is an exciting time as we look towards the future in terms of education and training at CHFT and what we can deliver and expand on...so watch this space!

What did you want to do when you were growing up?

Well, this will probably surprise a few people. I wanted to be Cabin Crew and I still class myself as “growing up” so maybe one day. I believe they like to take crew on at 60! There’s still a while to go.

What would people be surprised to know about you?

I’ve done a skydive. I also know how to deliver foals, lambs and calves (I think I’d make an excellent Midwife if needed) and I have a blue seal badge for shearing sheep (but I’m not very quick at it).