I regularly attend the European Facilitators training days. I’ve run over 200 workshops and I love doing the work.
I’m really motivated by the possibilities that speaking circles open up for people. Once public speaking isn’t a problem - what could people do with their lives? It means we can become active particpants in this fleeting life rather than self-critical obervers. Fundamentally I want to help people get the most out of their lives.
What better job could i have?
August 2008
My big news is that I have stepped down as the Editor of The Spark to do this work full time.
So now is the time to put various project proposals to me! (see below)
New Projects
I’m currently working on developing further courses in speaking, life purpose and how to create possibility.
I’m very interested in spreading this work to new people places and to new groups. If you have an interesting idea about where this work could go please don’t hesitate to contact me: eg. hospices, prisons, older people etc. I’m also looking for other projects that are about realising people’s potential and new ways of working around connection and presence.
I’m also starting to pilot accomplishment groups - to help people clarify projects, to find their higher vision in their work and to look at what the blocks are that are stopping them.
Fascinating stuff and it carries on the work that I do with speaking circles.
From a group that met on 12 November 2008 “ Really positive, really useful, got us back on track, perfect style of facilitation, brilliant, made everyone feel relaxed and comfortable”
If you are a facebook user I’ve started a facebook group called “speaking circles UK trial group” This is to help you to connect with other people interested in Speaking Circles in your area. This is also about hosting discussions about speaking issues.
Training and background
• 2008-9 attending a leadership course run by Common Purpose
• Editing The Spark Magazine since 1993 to August 2008. www.thespark.co.uk. For me, the Speaking Circles approach is a great way of putting into practice the values that lie behind the magazine.
• Two year Diploma in Group Facilitation IDHP.
• Diploma in Health Education.
• Devised Training for HEA drugs pack
• Honours Degree from Keele University
• and a proud holder of a Bus Conductors Certificate.
Personal
I’ve been working in Bristol for over 25 years and recently moved to Congresbury in North Somerset.
I am married to Clare who is wonderful and has supported me like no other person. We were both born in the same hospital in Huddersfield but only met in Bristol years later!
My life was changed when my mother committed suicide four days after my 21st birthday. She didn’t find her mission in life and in many ways couldn’t cope with what life had to bring. She was also addicted to tranquilisers which added to the confusion. So my work around the spark magazine and public speaking has its foundation in helping people find ways to change. So her death although incredibly painful for me at the time has brought forth a transformative energy through my work. Its now nearly thirty years ago and my work isn’t about death or bereavement - its about the incredible gift of life and what we can do with it.ß
