Following a successful business career in corporate communications in the high-tech sector, I now dedicate my time to environmental, cultural and history projects. History has always been an important part of my life and was my degree subject, so I have now returned to my first love. Though I will read more or less any history book and visit any monument, I am especially drawn to the Victorian and Edwardian eras and am particularly interested in women’s history.
I am currently working on two projects, both of which have a strong focus on their local area.
The first one is the story of two little-known militant suffragettes whose protests, imprisonments and punishments were centred on Manchester and whose contribution has been almost entirely forgotten. Traces of their lives are found in archives around the country from London to St Andrews and of course Lancashire and they have an impressive digital presence.
The second is a project I am doing is for the Soil Association Land Trust. This involves researching and writing the history of Woodoaks Farm in Hertfordshire over the past century. The story is told through the lens of the Findlay family who first came to Woodoaks in 1922. During that time, the farm has witnessed the industrialisation of agriculture and the impact that has had on the environment. Now it is making its journey back to sustainable practices and renewing its connection with the local community it aims to serve.
I am also a trustee at Dorset Wildlife Trust where I chair the marketing committee. The charity works to conserve the distinctive wildlife and natural spaces across the county and its coastline.
