I read Geography at Manchester University, became a cartographer for the Oxford University Press, then a Geography teacher at Bolton School.

After marrying in 1963 and spending 1967 to 1968 in California our daughter, Natasha, was born in 1973.

In 1976 we emigrated to Tasmania where I worked at a girls’ private school, finally becoming Director of Studies and Deputy Principal, managing to chair the local playgroup and the University Women’s Club too.

I have always felt an enormous debt of gratitude for the chances, expectations and responsibilities I was given at school, and also by my parents who recognised the value of a good education.

Fiji beckoned in 1997 where we spent five years at the University of the South Pacific, full of experiences with students from the 12 contributing nations. I worked part-time in the Geography Department and fitted in post-graduate research for which I was awarded a University Gold Medal. Miss Leigh would have been proud of me!

Back to Tasmania in 2001 and a retirement packed with activity, where I have taken up water colouring and gardening. I am in a book group and choir (thank you MHSG for those interests) and I am now also the President of the local community group.