Welcoming Belle to the Party!

Belle Dowber joined us this month as our new full time Social events organiser. We have wanted to make our social programme even more lively and diverse and we think Belle is just the lady for the job.  She popped in to answer a few questions for us so we could get to know her a little better.

My name is Belle, I was born and raised here in Portsmouth, and consider myself a bit of a ‘Pompey girl’. Aside from moving to Brighton for three years to complete my degree, I’ve always been based in Portsmouth.  For three years, I lived in Brighton, where I graduated from the University of Sussex with a first class degree in linguistics. Either side of my studies I’ve been off gallivanting around the globe. I’ve just recently returned from a four month trip, the majority of which I spent travelling around India and Sri Lanka.

On her travels

Being the new Social Organiser? This is the first time I’ve ever done anything like this, so it was a bit daunting on my first day. However, everyone has been so friendly and welcoming; it’s made starting here much easier. I’m really excited about this job, and I’m looking forward to taking the Social Programme to the next level.

I’ve only ever worked in England, but would love the opportunity to work abroad, further along the line. Having said that, does making cocktails on the beach in exchange for free accommodation count as working abroad? In that case, I’ve worked in Indonesia too.

on her travels

on her travels

on her travels

I love cycling my old rusty bike, she’s my trusted companion. I also play the ukulele, even though my repertoire consists of 8 songs. My main passion is travelling, and even when I don’t have the time to take long trips away, I try and squeeze in short weekend trips so I can see as much of this lovely planet as possible.

I love living by the sea, and feel very lucky to be able to enjoy all the perks of living in a seaside city. The area around Clarence Pier, with its arcades and funfair and candyfloss, makes me feel nostalgic, and the tranquility of Eastney beach is always the perfect place to watch the sunset. Right now, I love the buzz around Southsea common, spending long sunny days eating lots of barbecued meat, and playing football or Frisbee with friends.

On the Isle of Wight

What else can I tell you? I nearly began a career as a professional ballerina, and completed all my examinations with distinction, as well as dancing with the English Youth Ballet. At the age of seventeen, I decided that I wanted to follow a more academic route, a decision which I’m very happy I made. Even though I miss ballet tremendously, I’m sure you’ll see my twirling down the corridors, or standing on my ‘demi-pointes’- these things never leave you!

Thank you Belle - we can't wait to see what you have planned!