My interest in Biology led to gaining a degree in Agricultural Botany at Glasgow University then a post graduate Masters degree in Seed Technology. Holiday/temp jobs during this time included trial work for a seed company in Scotland and in Uruguay, lambing every Easter and riding Instructor in Menorca. My interest in the Seed business eventually took me to a job for a seed company in Romsey, then Bury St Edmunds in 1993. 

I worked there for 14 years before being made redundant. Throughout my life I have always enjoyed exercise and decided in 1997 that I could combine my love of exercise with earning money in my spare time so gained the exercise to music qualification and started teaching the odd class alongside my full time job. 

One of the original Upbeat Instructors, Sarah, contacted me about covering some Upbeat classes and I have been teaching Upbeat ever since 1997! Initially of course this was just on Friday evenings at Hardwick Middle School. Upbeat generously sponsored me to study for the BACPR Exercise Instructor qualification in 2002. It was on this course that I met Michelle and luckily persuaded her to join us as an Instructor. I have also gained the seated exercise qualification and am currently studying for the exercise referral Diploma. 

Since being made redundant in 2007, I have been able to teach more classes, both at Upbeat and in various villages around Bury St Edmunds. I feel privileged and very lucky to work with Upbeat. It is a great organisation and offers so much more than just exercise.

One of the joys of teaching exercise is when you make a positive improvement to someone’s life. It might be the easing of a sore back, it might be improving their mood, but when someone tells me my classes make a difference and they are still coming to me 15 years later, it is a great feeling.

Alongside working, I have managed to have a family life too. My marriage in 1997 did not work out , but I then I got together with Chris and we have 2 sons, now 20 and 16 and a dog called Baloo. We also have 3 grandchildren with Chris’s 2 daughters. 

In my spare time I enjoy reading, walking, dancing, decorating and horse riding when I can. I pick up my accordion now and then – even though I know I will never play as well as Hilary! As I approach another big birthday, I have no intentions of slowing down so I hope you will continue to see me at Upbeat for many years to come. xx