I have always been interested in the relationship between people, places, and local history. Growing up on the Fylde coast I was struck by the different types of settlements, and the contrast between the ‘ancient’ and modern that was reflected through the built environment and anecdotal stories.I was lucky to be able to study local and regional history as an undergraduate at Lancaster University, and this brought a focus to my enthusiasm for historical study. After several years working as a teacher in Hong Kong, I returned to Lancashire to undertake my postgraduate studies at the University of Central Lancashire, working with the Lancashire Museum Service. My research is based around communities and their relationships with the decline of industry, primarily focussed on Lancastrian cotton towns.
I’ve worked on various projects in collaboration with local history groups, helping, advising and training those who are interested. I also work with the Lancashire Local History Federation as a committee member. I’ve collaborated with artists, dancers, and musicians to explore new ways of communicating local history, and have recently worked with colleagues in Fashion and Textiles to explore immigration in East Lancashire on a project called ‘Heirloom’, interpreting life stories through the creation of new items of clothing.
I currently teach at UCLan, focussing on Public History and Heritage, alongside outreach work with community groups. I’m passionate about encouraging local and regional history amongst students and the wider-public, and look forward to working with everyone at BALH in the future.
