Ref. 29407-05WHEN most people retire, they look forward to gardening, DIY and perhaps an evening class.

But not Highworth music teacher Veronica Phillipson.

The Warneford School teacher is swapping chilly Highworth for a tropical island paradise in the Caribbean, where she will be helping to pass a vibrant musical heritage on to a new generation.

Veronica is moving to sun-kissed St Kitts, where she will be teaching in local schools and helping the island's Ministry of Culture to organise concerts.

She said: "I have friends who work as missionaries on St Kitts, and through them I met the minister of culture.

"When I got the offer to live and work there I thought it was too good to pass up.

"I'm really excited about it."

Veronica, who lives in Watchfield, is hoping to organise a concert called Carnival Messiah, which is based on Handel's Messiah but with West Indian rhythms.

She said: "I love West Indian music. It's so natural to the people of St Kitts, and is an integral part of their heritage and culture.

"I will also be doing choral work in schools. It will be very different to what I'm used to as the facilities will be quite basic."

Veronica, who is head of the music department at Warneford, where she has taught for 17 years, is no stranger to foreign travel.

She has lived in South Africa, Botswana, Kenya, Dubai and Greece.

The 59-year-old, who retires in July, will be moving to her new home in St Kitts' capital city of Basseterre later in the year.

St Kitts is a popular destination for holidaymakers, who are drawn by its stunning beaches and tropical forests.

Veronica will be particularly missed by Highworth Choral Society, which she has conducted for 10 years.

"I shall miss them terribly," she said, "they're a great bunch of people.

"I have also really enjoyed my time at Warneford."

Her last appearance with the choir will be this month's performance of Rossini's Petite Messe Solennelle, and a summer concert Captain Noah and his Floating Zoo in July.

Roger Moore, vice-chairman of the society, said: "Veronica has developed our singers to a very high standard, and it has been her enthusiasm that has enabled us to sing the works we have."

A new conductor is now needed to take up Veronica's baton from September.

Call Kathryn Harvey on 01793 765062 for details.

Tamash Lal