Who are you within the Kingdom?
Hi, I’m Kate. I’m a Welsh-born, South African honed adventurer, campaigner, and NPO worker who very luckily moved to Skiathos permanently three years ago with my family. For many years I worked in human rights, development, and community work; mainly in South Africa and the UK, with a lot of travel, and I loved it! But when I had a family I was ready for life to slow down, and I am incredibly lucky my dad lived on this island. My passions are my family, my art, my home, and creating a happy childhood for my son. He is happiest in the mountains, and so are we. It was the most exciting day meeting Ilektra and knowing the kingdom was here for us in our new home. What inspires me most about the Kingdom ( apart from Ilektra) is the people — arriving from all over the world, coming together for experiences that are wholesome, practical, and deeply beautiful. It’s incredibly grounding and uplifting to witness and be a part of. Within the Kingdom, I’m able to weave all my passions together: meeting people, sharing stories, building connection, permaculture, art, family, nurturing, and making things count. Being around people who care deeply for the earth, who bring new ideas and do important work. It feels like fuel for the soul.
Your path to the Kingdom
My path to the Kingdom began long before I arrived. My father moved to Skiathos twenty years ago, so my love for this precious island runs deep. When the time came to choose where to root our lives, it was either here or back to Wales — but the pull toward a Greek island life, helping my elderly dad and his house, well it was an easy decision really. I remember the moment the move decision became truly clear. Meeting Ilektra, her family, and the community around her …especially the children! … changed everything. There was 0 doubt left . The friendships for my son and for me, the shared values, and the way we imagined life together made it an easy choice. The past three years for my son and me have been deeply blessed, and the Kingdom has been a huge part of that. What first drew me in was the sense of community, and what continues to inspire me are the people who pass through; the volunteers, their stories, characters, languages, and the way we work and learn together. It’s energising and life-affirming. It’s a real pleasure to be involved and to support Ilektra in her incredible Kingdom. I’m grateful to be able to offer my experience, friendship, and local knowledge, and to be part of something that feels so alive and so meaningful.
What do you offer to this place?
My role within the Kingdom is as a volunteer mentor and project support. I offer friendship and a safe space where people can talk openly; whether to share challenges, navigate small conflicts, or usually its just to ask for local knowledge and travel advice. I’m available. Practically, I support with food runs, water, lifts, and being a reliable backup when needed. I bring sensitivity and perspective shaped by over twenty years working in community projects across Wales, rural South Africa, and i’ve worked with many cultures . I’ve lived simply and off-grid, including four years in a strawbale house in Wales, and I’m trained in permaculture. So although i’m out of practice a bit, im happy to work out all solutions and try bring a bit of humour in to it too. I cant help it. I especially laugh when i’m nervous. Above all, I love people. I tend to step back and watch everything unfold, as i’m learning alongside others. It’s all exciting for me too. But i am always there when support is needed.
What keeps you inspired?
I’m inspired by hearing the stories and experiences of others — meeting people who come through the Kingdom and seeing the world through the eyes of open-minded, kind-hearted souls drawn here. It keeps me curious, connected, and inspired. I’m also excited to collaborate with the team on projects for and with the children: beach school, forest school, art initiatives, food gardening, and creating more fun and magic together. Bringing joy, learning, and creativity to the kids is truly energising and fulfilling. I’m inspired by all the projects that happen at the Kingdom and i’m excited to meet anyone that comes x
And looking forward…
Watch my son grow up around such exciting people doing such cool things! And yes developing our wild school activities further as our children grow. And getting my hands dirty more often with all the great people that come through.