I was born in Birmingham, but never lived there: brought up in Sunderland where my dad still lives.
I studied English at Leeds University, but got my education at Sadler Hall of Residence, where Northumbrian music and dance thrived - especially Rapper Sword Dancing. I became an English teacher and worked in five high schools - latterly Deputy Head at QEHS Hexham, and then Head of Whitley Bay High School. In each of these schools I started a dance group and/or ceilidh band.
I left school teaching in 1993 to join Folkworks as Education Officer, later being promoted to Education Director - responsible for the organising of Summer Schools and other workshop courses, projects for young people, plus work in schools including INSET for teachers.
My role within The Sage Gateshead is now Learning and Participation Consultant and Summer Schools Director.
Musical interests include being a Ceilidh Band accordionist and caller with The Hedgehog’s Skin, a workshop leader, a singer and song leader, and I’m also learning the fiddle. In my time I’ve also played in a rock band, sung madrigals and big choral works and played bassoon in amateur orchestras.
There have been Many highlights of my folk career so far - Ethno Folk Camp’96; Vocal Chords Festival; 422 winning Young Folk Award; Visit to Burkina Faso 2002; many moments at Folkworks Sumer Schools. I’m proud that I’ve seen the growth of Folkworks Summer Schools from about 60 participants annually to over 300.
I’m currently Chair of Folk Arts England. If I didn’t do my current job I would like to be a radio cricket commentator.
Tools
Introducing...
Chris Pentney
Folkworks Programme Manager
Pam Hobson
Event Administrator for the Folkworks Programme
Sue Griffiths
Project Coordinator (Folk)
... and our newest member of the team! Photo coming soon...
Alistair Anderson
Artistic Director Folkworks
Ros Rigby
A founding Co-Director of Folkworks and now the Performance Programme Director of The Sage Gateshead