When did you join Taylors’?
I joined Merchant Taylors’ Prep in the September of 2022. I’ve been here for approximately four years now and I’ve enjoyed every minute. I apologise if that sounds clichéd but it’s true.
What most excites you about your role and what got you into it?
I have always loved English, having studied it through degree level and am a member of a Writing and Book group. I am a published writer so I do live and breathe the role. Literature is an obvious passion of mine and my passion for books is something of which I shall never let go. I come from a long line of teachers so it’s in the blood.
What are you most proud of outside of your work at Taylors’?
I have many outside interests. I am a writer and have won a number of competitions, my proudest of which was with the Curtis Brown Agency. I used to play bass in a band during my younger years which probably explains my long-ish hair. A keen sportsman, I have completed the channel run, which was quite the task although I was not actually running on water of course. I have watched a live match at over forty of the ninety-two football league grounds in the UK, as well as many across Europe, and have written for both Valencia CF and Aston Villa. American football is a real passion of mine and I have watched all thirty-two teams live, been interviewed on television regarding my team (the Los Angeles Rams – Go Rams!) and have seen the Super Bowl trophy five times. I am currently in the midst of attempting to tick off all thirty-two stadia. I have watched live American Football in Australia, the USA, Ireland and England. This attaches well to my other hobby of travelling. I’m also a retro action figure and comic book collector. I’ll stop here I think.
What did you study?
Aside from English (all the way through degree level), I have a Masters degree in Education. On a more random note, I am a fully qualified Personal Trainer, not that you would know by looking at me!
What piece of media would you recommend and why?
Books: The Giver by Lois Lowry or Evelina by Frances Burney
Both are amazing books that offer such different points of view from their respective narrators.
Films: The original Star Wars Trilogy, particularly The Empire Strikes Back, Field of Dreams or 2001: A Space Odyssey.
All ground-breaking movies for different reasons.
Music: LA Woman by The Doors or Tango in the Night by Fleetwood Mac.
Two albums that I feel can be played again and again regardless of mood.
