Late-Life Success Stories from Nottingham

A lifetime of working has left many pensioners with a strong work ethic, a keen business sense, and a well-honed set of skills. Many older people in Nottingham remain active and involved as they age, engaging in artistic enterprises and corporate endeavours that help to strengthen their growing community. You’re never too old to find success, as these Nottingham natives know very well.

Vicki Feaver

Born in Nottingham in 1943, Vicki Feaver studied music at Durham University and English at the University College in London. She’s an award-winning poet who is best known for works such as Lily Pond, Judith, and The Handless Maiden. Currently, Mrs. Feaver lives with her husband in South Lanarkshire, Scotland.

Vicki Feaver wasn’t recognised for her contributions to poetry until her later years, proving age is not a barrier to success; in fact, she won the Arvon Competition Prize in 1992 at almost 50 years old. Most recently, Mrs. Feaver participated in the BBC Radio 3 Series “The Essay-Letters to a Young Poet,” which aired in early 2014.

Bob Pitchfork

What began as a small, home-based operation turned into a booming business for Bob Pitchfork of Nottingham. After forming Mr. Pitchfork’s Pickles in 2002, Mr. Pitchfork has expanded his business to occupy four industrial units. He sells artisanal pickles, chutney, conserves, curds and jams, all made with his own carefully crafted recipe.

Bob Pitchfork has carved out a reputable name for himself in the gourmet food market, growing steadily as more and more customers hear about his mouth-watering condiments. You can order his delicious goods online and have them shipped to addresses throughout the UK and Ireland, or you can visit one of the many locations that sell his products. You can buy Mr. Pitchfork’s Pickles at shops, hotels, cafes, and other spots throughout the central UK.

Judith Bingham

A talented composer and mezzo-soprano singer, Judith Bingham was born in Nottingham in 1952 and attended the Royal Academy of Music in her early 20s. Later, she continued to perfect her skills with private tutor Hans Keller, and then went on to become a Fellow of the Royal Northern College of Music. She was nearly forty before writing her first piece of music, but that didn’t stop her from going on to become a prolific composer. She’s still continuing to produce music for choir and orchestra, with her latest piece ‘Watch With Me’ that came out in 2016.

This fascinating piece was written by Jess Walter.