Bit of background; where you live, your family, what you do for a living:

I live in York, having moved here 11 years ago. I studied Music at university, with a particular interest in 16th century music, which paved my way into the Anglican world. Several years later, I now find myself working as the Discipleship Adviser in the Diocese of York, working with the Archbishop of York in encouraging churches and communities to grow in faith and explore what that looks like in everyday life. It’s a very creative job - I work with churches, teach in places like the York School of Ministry, and create resources for church communities to engage with. I’m also an elected member of the Church of England’s General Synod, which keeps me on my toes! 

Aside from work, I love my home, and have been enjoying learning how to look after my garden. As a forever creative soul, I also sing with The Ebor Singers, who often sing in York Minster, and have recently started dabbling in pottery classes! 

Age:

33

When were you at Princethorpe - years from and to?

2003 to 2008 (Years 7 to 11)

What was the school like in your day?

I’ll always remember in the early days the school feeling like a castle! It was wonderful to be at school somewhere soaked in history and the people who had gone before it. Whilst I could never quite remember the boundaries to pupils (!), I loved that there were so many places in the wider grounds to explore, like the woodland, and even the cemetery which spoke of the people who had dedicated their lives of prayer and service within the same walls we walked in. The school was a really supportive community in my day, with wonderful teachers who were dedicated to nurturing and encouraging young people alongside academic achievement. 

How did Princethorpe affect the person you are today?

Above anything else, it gave me a faith that I didn’t have when I started at the school. Given the profession I now work in, I owe that a lot! I think the community of Princethorpe also taught me the importance of kindness - both to self and to others. 

What advice would you give to your teenage self?

To use the words of St Teresa, all shall be well. Don’t be afraid to be yourself, have confidence. And most importantly, be joyful. 

Who or what has been the greatest influence on your life?

Miranda Hart. I admire her so much for using her voice to affirm adults rediscovering joy, fun and playfulness, grounded in her research on wellbeing. 

What keeps you awake at night?

A never-ending to-do list…

What has been your proudest moment/greatest achievement so far?

Being appointed to the Church of England’s Liturgical Commission - the national body which resources worship across the CofE. It was through this that a small group of us created national resource booklets ahead of the King’s Coronation, and another for this year’s 1700th anniversary of the Nicene Creed. With impostor syndrome in tow, I was invited to write the Church of England’s Christmas reflections in 2024, which was an honour made even more terrifying when I was told how many copies they were printing… (50,000 is A Lot!)

What’s your biggest indulgence?

It’s got to be singing. I’ve always loved singing, and in my Princethorpe years loved singing in the choir. I’m an alto now in The Ebor Singers, whom I’ve sung with for 11 years; an indulgence every week of beautiful music and wonderful people. We sing regularly in York Minster, for services and concerts, with recent appearances on Radio 3 and 4, and of course the all important pub visits after any event! 

If you had to have one last meal, what would it be?

Seafood with a glass of white wine in the sunshine. 

What is your favourite TV Show and why?

Pottery Throwdown! As a very amateur potter, I love watching what they create, and the stories they share as part of the programme. 

If you could be anywhere right now, where would it be and who would be with you?

Greenbelt Festival, with the Greenbelt community!

Lasting memories of Princethorpe:

I spent a lot of time in the music corridor! I have very fond memories of spending lunchtimes with various friends huddled around a piano. I have vivid memories of the patterned tiled floor, and the art covering the corridor walls, and the creative things we used to get up to in the theatre! 

I spent a lot of time in the chaplaincy room too - with Irene Minehane and Heather Harris - both of whom I owe a lot to. And lastly, my lasting memory of Princethorpe is that it is a place where everyone is valued, and where, in my experience, extraordinary teachers believed in me more than I believed in myself.