After trying various professions, including teaching horse-riding in France and sub-editing in Wimbledon, travelling in Africa and Europe and raising three sons to school age, I settled in Shrewsbury, took a Foundation Course in Art (1985) and helped found and run a Community Arts Centre for local people.

Having found my metier, I took a degree course - B.A. (Hons) Creative Art, Necastle upon Tyne, `88-91 during which I worked for the Probation Service running arts sessions for convicted offenders, and also designing and making props for Jack Drum Theatre Co.
At this time I also worked as a volunteer for Welfare State International, and my work has been greatly informed by their style and ethic.
My degree project in Hexham involved a local high school whose pupils devised and performed street theatre on a mythic theme. My thesis looked at Play and Imagery.

After graduating I worked as a community artist and facilitator with young people and access groups. Among other commissions, I made large-scale banners with groups and designed and made carnival structures and kites.

As my work was becoming more performance-based I took an NVQ in Community Drama at Theatre Station Blyth (1992) where I learned to use creative drama with community groups. I then joined a small theatre company which provided drama for people with disabilities and for schools.

In order to extend my practical skills I combined this with a part-time course on theatre production - BTEC Nat Dip. STAGECRAFT (94/95)

During this period, I and some friends set up Sit & Fidget, a community arts group which has continued to the presesent day. My resume since that time coincides with the history of Sit & Fidget (project history enclosed).

In 1995 I moved to Southend on Sea, and took on the moribund youth drama group at the Palace Theatre. The group (which was constituted in 2003) has grown from 12 members to over 100 and has become an independent arts provider. Besides being actively involved with the running of this community theatre school, I also direct Sit & Fidget, which is an established Community Arts group providing workshops, projects and activities in the community. I have worked on all the Sit & Fidget projects listed, and have also provided arts workshops, sessions and summer schools in the community.