16/10/2026
FACES OF EXETER PHOENIX: CLARE, A LIFE FULL OF COLOUR ✨
From decades of a great love of live music, culture, community and trying to be creative, Exeter Phoenix has been an important hub for Clare.
Clare’s life is full of curiosity, creativity and connection. Add a healthy addiction to vintage handbags, history and a keen interest in learning, and there’s certainly a lot to tell!
Read her story by swiping through ➡️
Or read the full text below ⬇️
WHAT FIRST BROUGHT YOU TO EXETER PHOENIX?
The music called me here!
I’ve been coming here for gigs since the late 80s, when I was at Exeter College with friends, as we all shared a love, and still do, for live music and seeing new bands.
Over the years, I have attended lots of workshops and dance classes, taken part in Burlesque, seen 1,000s of bands, celebrated the New Year in, attended Silent Discos and International Women’s Day celebrations, to name but a few.
YOU’VE BEEN PART OF THE EXETER COMMUNITY FOR A LONG TIME. TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF.
I was born in Exeter, moved away during my childhood and returned to the city later. My college and work life has been based around Exeter, where I have done everything from local government, recruiting, marketing and PR to lots of retail in customer service, including working as assistant manager of Moko in Gandy Street, where Helen of Troy is now. I love meeting people and have always chosen front-facing roles.
I currently work for Devon Chamber of Commerce as a Membership & Events Executive, which I absolutely love, helping to build connections and support our local businesses.
YOU CLEARLY LOVE CONNECTING WITH PEOPLE, BUT YOU ALSO HAVE A CREATIVE SIDE. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY OUTSIDE WORK?
I’ve always loved making and creating things. I have cooked from a young age, and now I forage a lot as well. I make a lot of my own natural skincare products, as I won’t use things that could have been tested on animals, and give them as gifts. I’ve upcycled and sewn some of my own clothes. At college, I started my own jewellery-making business as part of a project.
I do have a healthy addiction to vintage handbags and have quite a collection dating from 1890 to the 1970s, especially box bags, and will often be seen with one, as I use them most days.
There has always been something magical about bringing people together around a table over home-cooked food that just fills my heart with joy. I volunteer at FoodCycle in Exeter, cooking food that was being thrown away and helping turn it into a three-course meal where anyone is welcome to eat for FREE.
YOU SPEND A LOT OF TIME SUPPORTING OTHERS. HOW DO YOU MAKE SURE YOU LOOK AFTER YOURSELF, TOO?
I have had to learn that self-care and balance must be a priority sometimes. You can’t live in the red all the time.
I have been through some difficult times, which contributed to me suffering from panic disorder. At one point, I was having up to 90 attacks a day and night. I am always going to be a work in progress. I have a positive outlook on life and had to learn what worked for me.
This might sound weird, but good can come out of bad, and I have been able to share my experiences with people. If I can do it, anyone else can too!
YOU’VE TALKED ABOUT HOW MUCH YOU ENJOY CONNECTING WITH PEOPLE. HOW DOES THAT RELATE TO WHAT YOU LOVE ABOUT EXETER PHOENIX?
To me, it’s a safe and welcoming space. I can come in on my own at any time, sit at a table full of strangers over a pint of Korev and, by the end of the evening, have had some great conversations and gained some insights.
AND FINALLY, HOW WOULD YOU SUM UP WHAT EXETER PHOENIX MEANS TO YOU?
Exeter Phoenix, in my experience, is a beautiful, timeless melting pot of people from all walks of life, cultures, beliefs and values, all equal and embraced. It’s a place where I have laughed, cried, celebrated the lives of those no longer with us, danced my absolute socks off, heard some great music, caught up with beloved friends and made new ones, been schooled, eaten some of the best chips and onion rings, and got dressed up in some crazy costumes.
It’s like a crazy jigsaw puzzle. Whatever shape you are, there will always be a space where you fit perfectly imperfectly.
Thank you for sharing your story with us, Clare! ❤️
From decades of gigs and creative workshops to a career supporting local businesses, Clare’s connection with Exeter Phoenix has grown and evolved alongside her own life.
Her story is a reminder that community is about the people we meet, the friendships we make and the places where we can be ourselves.
We’re delighted that Exeter Phoenix continues to be part of her life. ❤️
