Tutor Biographies

Most of Aidan's career has been spent as an Assistant Keeper at the Public Record Office, now The National Archives. During his time there he has had responsibilty for publications and the museum, as well as working directly with readers, developing educational packages on the website and giving talks to both academic and amateur historian groups. He has a wide knowledge of the public records and of sources for the study of local history, British history and military and imperial history.

His publications include articles ona variety of topics ranging from Irish genealogy to Edwardian murder in 'Ancestors' magazine; a document pack on the Titanic, which sold over 100,000 copies; a book on the history of the Public Record Office 'Chancery Lane 1377-1977 The Strong Box of the Empire' and the introductory booklet to the CD-ROM publication of the first ever release of MI5 records.

Lecturer/Senior Lecturer at Bedford College of Education (later De Montford University) 1976-2001 and part time 2001-2004, teaching English at graduate and post-graduate level. Teaching English at Letchworth Settlement and Bedford Retirement Centre 2004-2010.

Barry  taught physics and science in various secondary schools in London and Hertfordshire, taking early retirement aged 55. Since then he has worked as a freelance editor and an examiner at A level and GCSE, and contributed to textbooks.

He has also revived his boyhood interest in astronomy, gaining a distinction in a Diploma in Astronomy with the Open University. He has lectured on the Solar System, the Universe and the early history of Physics with the WEA.

My background is in primary school teaching.  For twenty years, whilst my children were growing up, I was involved in Parentline as a volunteer and committee member.  I also worked with children on a voluntary basis.

I went back to teaching as a supply teacher for nine years, before retiring from this five years ago. Having taken numerous writing courses, I began submitting articles and fillers to magazines and was delighted to have them accepted.  In 2006 I was encouraged by fellow students to start a 'Get Writing' course of my own at the Settlement.  Thinking it would only last for the first five sessions, I am pleased to say that it has now run for four years with some students coming back year after year.

Apart from writing my interests include dog training, bird watching, walking and reading.

A decrepit shadow of his former self! A long distance walker who now toddles to the Post Office; a Round The World Yachtsman who is now content with a day sail! Formerly an A level Chief Examiner for an Examination board now amalgamated out of existence; formerly a Faculty Head in a large Essex Comprehensive which no longer exists! But in spite of all this, and having no sense of humour, a popular speaker with too little time to do all the things I want to do havinh worked for Cambridge and Essex Universities and UEA. Has over 40 years with the WEA and still with a grasp on sanity. Painter and art historian, writer and Grumpy Old Man who speaks with authority on history because he was there!

Member of The Chinese Brush Painters Society
Member of East London Printmakers
   
I enjoy drawing and painting anything that moves, and quite a few that don’t …. as long as the subject has bagfuls of character – Animal Portraits, People Portraits, Flowers, Trees, Farmyard machinery and the odd dustbin or two! 
I exhibit and sell both at home and abroad.  Five years ago I started Chinese
Brush Painting and it has filled me with enthusiasm – I love the variety of styles, the composition and use of colour which is totally different to the Western way.
The basic skills can enhance any Western style of drawing and painting. 

John worked for over twenty years as a lecturer at Trinity College of Music, London, leaving in 2003 to resume a freelance career as teacher and performer (organ and piano accompaniment). Since 1992 he has led various WEA classes in Hertfordshire and more recently led U3A groups in the area.

I started my career as a Registered Nurse and still maintain my registration. I have always been interested in people, and had a desire to make a difference. Consequently, I did a BSc in Psychology at the University of Hertfordshire and enjoyed every minute. Since then, alongside a family and various jobs,  I have completed a Certificate in Counselling at the University of Hertfordshire and a Masters in Health Psychology at the University of Bedfordshire. I remain at the University of Bedfordshire and am currently undertaking post graduate research in the area of adolescent health; designing an intervention to prevent alcohol misuse in adolescents.
Teaching has become a real passion and I have had experience of teaching undergraduates of all levels at the University of Bedfordshire and although health has become my primary research area, I am interested in, and enjoy all aspects of Psychology.
In my spare time I am an Assistant Cub Leader and enjoy the odd bit of acting and performing with the local amateur drama group.

Paul Palmer's archaeological career began in 1960 as founder member of North Hertfordshire Archaeological Society, later becoming Chairman. Paul is still an active independent archaeologist in the UK and abroad, with a BA (Hons) Degree, Diploma in European Humanities and membership of the Institute for Archaeologist (IFA). He is an experienced tutor, lecturer and guide in archaeology, ancient history and landscape studies.

Rosemary Hayes has written numerous books for children for a variety of age groups and in a variety of genres including fantasy and historical and contemporary fiction.
She has a background in publishing, is a reader for a well known authors’ advisory service and also runs creative writing workshops for both children and adults.
For more information visit her website at www.rosemaryhayes.co.uk

Born in the USA, Dr Sharon Priestley has lived in the UK for many years and has taught a number of literature courses for the University of Cambridge's Institute of Continuing Education and writing courses elsewhere. Although her background is in 18th Century British literature, she is equally interested in getting students involved in lively discussions about classic and modern novels, short stories, fairy tales and more. Come along to one of her courses and participate in some fascinating debates!

Victoria is married with four children (including twins) and lives in Hitchin. Her involvement in teaching history dates from 1993 and although Victoria trained as a mediaevalist the courses she has taught have related to all periods and many different countries.Her interests include current affairs, the arts and, inevitably, anything historical.