I worked in the coal mines, until I was medically retired in 1993. However, this allowed me to retrain. In 1995 I began training for Lay Ministry within the Church of England and was licensed in 1997 – 28 years on I am still active in the area.

I change careers; I work for 17 years in sports development I achieved so much and had the privilege of working with many fantastic people; developing people and changing their lives.  During this time, I became a Tutor, Accessor, Access Auditor and a Coach in various sports.

I feel privileged to serve as a governor at St Mary Magdalene Academy.

I became a governor in 1997 at my son’s primary school Anthony Bek, I did this because they were short of governors, I wanted to support the school and the development of the students and staff, I also wanted to give something back to the community where I lived.

I serve as Chair of Governors on two joint boards within Diverse Academies Trust, Yeoman Park Academy/Redgate Primary Academy and Wainwright Primary Academy/Samuel Barlow Primary Academy.

I am also the chair of governors at Sutton Community Academy

I feel it’s a privilege to serve as a governor, I love the thought that as a governor we help to develop the education of the students, working with the leaders and staff being that critical friend, seeing the students smiling and openly talking about what they are learning and that they are happy being in school.

I am also very active across Ashfield, I sit as chair of the Health and Wellbeing Network, I am a theme lead on Discover Ashfield Board, I also sit on Kirby Neighbourhood Board as vice chair.