About me

Life is about living; searching out the beauty around us; being together in creative, happy moments; accepting one another completely and allowing ourselves and others to be the essence of who we and they really are. 

As a lucky but shy youngster, I was encouraged to be involved in anything creative, sporty or musical. I found myself playing Samba or making lanterns with Ulverston’s Welfare State International; taking part in cycle adventures with friends to raise charity money; being part of a scratch-music group to accompany a pop-up village event or performance. The joy and sense of belonging/companionship in these occasions has stayed with me. 

Since completing my teaching degree at Bretton Hall College in Music/Inter-Arts , I have split my time between teaching the arts in schools and being a community music animateur/creative community project lead. 

My work involves bringing people together to share meaningful, joyful, artful experiences; to build friendships/ kinship and create happy memories. These can range from a short-term ‘Lantern’, ‘Let’s Wiggle’, ‘Samba/Drumming’, ‘Paint & Paddle’ project to a more sustained ‘Twiddlers’, ‘Pan Steelers/Silver Seas Steel’, ‘Growing’ project. 

Whilst taking time out to be a young mum and run the seaside hostel in Port Eynon (YHA), I realised what a sanctuary it was for the hostellers. Being close to nature and the elements whilst stepping away from the daily life/work balance to calm, heal and restore was so essential for many people. A chance for positive, peaceful reflection in an otherwise busy world. 

Now, as a volunteer with ‘The Shine Project’ and a member of the steering group with ‘The Wonder of Well-being’ Gower, I see first-hand the health and well-being benefits from Nature and Arts projects such as these. Also, as a project lead for the ‘Growing’ project at Knelston School (working with ALN children who find it difficult to access the school curriculum as it currently is), I can see the nurturing of well-being, healing, belonging and identity all being beautifully played out in purposeful projectwork. 

My community music groups often get involved in supporting local events, such as Horton Hullabaloo and the World Music Cafe Night, Port Eynon. My teaching work sees me looking more and more at ways to incorporate health and well-being strands and has led me to commence an (MA) Arts Practice (Arts, Heath & Well-being) course with the University of South Wales, Cardiff.