Vollie Profile - Chris Smedley

Entally Estate Volunteer

Chris is one of our newer volunteers, but she’s very quickly found her place at Entally! Growing up in Launceston, her mother regularly brought her out to Entally Estate in the 60’s to wander the House museum & gardens. Chris remembers the old world charm of the property, and this kickstarting her love of history. She imagined being a member of the Reibey family, lounging around, perusing the gardens, writing letters, and hosting parties – she could’ve never been a downstairs worker!

After Chris was married, she moved to Devonport, and her visits to the Estate were limited to Gardenfest every year. After her retirement in 2019, Chris & her husband returned to the Launceston area, settling in Hadspen, where Chris knew immediately that she wanted to volunteer at Entally. Even with an active social life, her new-found retirement (tempered by a burgeoning global pandemic, seemed to be lacking in purpose. Starting as a gardener, Chris found a way to make her retirement meaningful, yet still giving her ample time to enjoy life around her volunteer work.

Now, Chris not only gardens but helps out at Gardenfest, serving 1,000+ Devonshire Teas over the weekend. At the last AGM of the Friends of Entally group, she was also nominated as Vice President, and has successfully chaired a few monthly meetings since.

When asked what it is about Entally that keeps her coming back, Chris says the lovely environment, sense of comradeship, and great social network are all brilliant, but it’s the knowledge that is the real perk. Being surrounded by experienced gardeners, historians, and cooks is wonderful for keeping the brain active.

Chris recommends to just do it, take the leap and volunteer – it may be best thing you ever do. A direct quote: it’s a great feeling to know that when you’re past your “use by date”, you can still be useful!