About
Adaptable and resourceful, my journey has been shaped by a rich blend of creative, practical, and organisational experiences. From managing festivals and crafting eye-catching designs to caring for animals and collaborating on niche research projects, life has been a mix of hands-on learning, curiosity, and dedication.
Problem-solving, collaboration, and a passion for learning sit at the heart of everything I do. Whether it’s mentoring a team, organising a complex event, or contributing to community projects, there’s always an enthusiasm for connecting with people and finding the best way forward. Balancing creativity—through painting, photography, and graphic design—with practical expertise like animal care and land management has honed my ability to adapt and deliver results in any setting.
Nature, folk dancing, and creative expression are constant sources of inspiration, shaping both my personal and professional outlook. Bringing energy, reliability, and a fresh perspective to every challenge, I thrive in environments where initiative, versatility, and teamwork are valued.
Skills
Organisational and Office-Based IT Skills
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IT Systems and Software Proficiency
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Skilled in using a range of office software, including Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and I can get my head around new programs and systems quickly, recently I have been putting AI to use for things like SEO.
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Proficient in using graphic and document design tools such as Affinity and Adobe.
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Data Management and Record Keeping
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Creating and maintaining efficient filing systems, both physical and digital, to ensure streamlined access to critical information.
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Managing large datasets, including customer information, event records, and archives, with attention to security and accuracy.
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Administrative Coordination
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Handling correspondence, scheduling, and logistics for events, meetings, and day-to-day operations.
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Experience in maintaining accounts, budgets, and financial records for projects and organisations.
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Systems Improvement and IT Support
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Advising on and implementing improvements to IT systems and processes for increased efficiency.
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Providing technical support and training for teams to enhance productivity and digital literacy.
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Publishing and Document Management
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Preparing and editing publications, such as event programs, and newsletters, and ensuring accuracy and professional quality.
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Managing tight deadlines and coordinating with external printers and suppliers for seamless project delivery.
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Practical Skills
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Website Development and Maintenance
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Designing, building, and maintaining websites for community projects, events, and businesses.
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Proficiency in SEO strategies and tools like Google Analytics, and more recently using AI skills for keyword searching and optimisation.
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Marketing and Publicity
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Creating effective marketing strategies using social media platforms.
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Designing publicity materials, including posters, flyers, banners, and programs.
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Managing advertising campaigns for niche audiences, including promoting www.emu.services.
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Content Creation and Research
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Writing and editing content for publications, websites, and academic purposes.
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Conducting primary and secondary research for books, papers, and creative projects.
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Drafting and editing books and research papers on niche topics such as emu breeding and behaviour.
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Event Organisation and Management
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Planning and running events, including festivals and club nights.
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Coordinating with stakeholders such as performers, volunteers, and vendors.
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Managing logistics for events like the Bridport Folk Festival.
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Team Coordination and Leadership
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Managing teams of volunteers and coordinating their activities effectively.
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Advising committees on IT and organisational improvements.
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Training and mentoring individuals in both technical and creative fields.
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Customer Service and Communication
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Handling customer-facing roles in hospitality, retail, and events.
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Answering inquiries and liaising with various parties in professional and voluntary settings.
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Communicating technical and creative ideas to diverse audiences.
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Organisation and Administration
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Creating filing systems and coordinating complex projects.
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Maintaining archives and records for long-term organisational use.
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Managing fast-paced publishing schedules, ensuring timely delivery.
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Social and Networking Skills
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Effective Communication
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Skilled at engaging with people from diverse backgrounds, whether in retail settings, playgroups, or festival environments.
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Clear and approachable communicator, adept at building rapport with customers, colleagues, and community members.
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Customer and Community Engagement
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Experience in customer-facing roles, including shop work, market stalls, and hospitality, ensuring excellent service and satisfaction.
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Facilitating inclusive, welcoming spaces such as playgroups, where collaboration and interpersonal understanding were key.
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Networking and Collaboration
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Building connections with stakeholders during projects like my Nottingham roles and Bridport Folk Festival, fostering productive relationships with performers, vendors, volunteers, and local organisations.
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Collaborating with teams in high-energy environments, including festivals and public events, to ensure smooth operations and a positive atmosphere.
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Conflict Resolution and Adaptability
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Handling challenging situations with professionalism, such as resolving customer concerns or addressing issues during events.
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Flexible and resourceful in adapting to different roles, from organising community activities to busy retail environments.
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Teamwork and Leadership
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Coordinating and motivating teams of volunteers and staff, ensuring effective communication and clear task delegation.
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Inspiring trust and collaboration through a positive, hands-on approach to team dynamics.
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Creative Skills
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Graphic Design
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Using tools like Affinity Publisher and Photoshop to design materials for print and digital use.
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Creating compelling visual content such as posters, programs, and flyers for festivals and events.
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Painting and Photography
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Producing vibrant acrylic paintings inspired by nature and geometry.
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Photography skills using a Nikon D7000, with expertise in editing RAW images in Photoshop.
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Capturing and enhancing imagery for personal and professional projects.
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Craft and Lampworking
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Creating unique jewellery and art pieces through lampworking.
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Skilled in detailed and precise crafting processes.
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Folk Dance and Community Arts
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Leading and participating in folk dance activities such as Morris and French dancing.
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Supporting cultural events like Film Club and local events such as festivals, concerts and fundraisers.
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Animal Care and Farming Skills
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Animal Husbandry
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Expertise in emu care, behaviour, and management, including global advisory roles through www.emu.services.
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Handling and caring for a variety of animals: sheep, goats, pigs, alpacas, cows, poultry, reptiles and exotic birds.
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Experience with lambing, shearing, and health management for livestock.
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Wildlife Behaviour and Research
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Observing and documenting animal behaviours for academic and practical purposes.
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Collaborating with researchers on studies involving emu.
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Sustainable Farming Practices
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Knowledge of land management, soil health, and organic farming.
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Practical experience in fencing, land care, and maintaining animal pastures.
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Animal Health and Training
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Managing health concerns for animals, including koi carp and birds.
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Working with animals to adapt to environments and routines, understanding animal behaviour.
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Problem-Solving and Adaptability
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Crisis Management
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Resolving on-the-spot issues in event management, hospitality and public-facing roles.
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Addressing technical and operational challenges with efficiency.
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Versatility Across Fields
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Successfully transitioning between creative, technical, and administrative roles.
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Balancing multiple responsibilities across personal and professional projects.
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Jobs, Projects and Voluntary Roles
Current Projects
Running the Film Club for Drimpton Village Hall has been such a rewarding experience. It’s not just about choosing films; it’s about creating a space for the community to come together. Being on the Village Hall Committee has also given me the chance to make a difference behind the scenes, building the hall’s website allows me to keep abreast of community activities and feel a part of the local community. In my downtime, I’m diving into research on emu breeding behaviours, which I’ve been observing over the past three years. It’s all part of a larger project—writing a book about emu care, a subject that’s incredibly close to my heart.
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Emu Media: 2017– Current
Under Emu Media, I’ve taken on various projects from home, focusing on website development, graphic design, and poster creation. Most of this work has been voluntary, supporting community events and organisations while keeping my skills sharp and staying up to date with technology. Contributing creatively to projects and ensuring I’m always learning and evolving with the latest tools and trends.
Emu Keepers and Breeders Community: 2020 - Current
Supporting the global emu-keeping community has been one of my most meaningful roles. Through Facebook groups and the website I created (www.emu.services), I’ve helped thousands of keepers and breeders navigate the joys and challenges of emu care. The website alone attracts around 1,000 visitors a week, and I’ve used tools like Google Analytics and SEO to keep growing its reach. Whether I’m advising vets, answering public inquiries, or collaborating with researchers, it’s incredibly fulfilling to share what I’ve learned. One highlight was working with Silverback Productions and Industrial Light & Magic for the Netflix series Life On Our Planet, helping bring emu hatching to life on screen.
Bridport Folk Festival: 2017 - 2024
The Bridport Folk Festival was a whirlwind of creativity and teamwork. I worked closely with the festival director on everything from designing the website and marketing materials to liaising with bands, volunteers, printers, press and spnosors. Every task—whether it was organising fundraiser events, managing technical specifications for sound engineers, designing lanyards, or setting up the system for car park and camping bookings—taught me something new about communication, coordination, and thinking on my feet.
Hospitality: The Ropemakers, Bridport: 2010 - 2022 (Ad hoc)
Working at The Ropemakers on an as-needed basis was always an adventure. The fast-paced, customer-facing environment honed my ability to adapt and keep a level head, even during the busiest shifts. It’s the kind of role where you learn a lot about people—and about yourself!
Heart of Glass: 2009 - 2019
For a decade, I channelled my creativity into lampworking, crafting bespoke jewellery and art pieces. Starting with a market stall and eventually opening a shop at the Broadwindsor Craft Centre, I took on everything from bookkeeping to customer service. Each piece I created was a chance to solve problems creatively, producing something truly one-of-a-kind.
Bridport Community Playgroup and Burton Bradstock Playgroup: 2002 - 2007
Leading playgroups was as challenging as it was rewarding. Specialising in Special Educational Needs and Equalities, I worked closely with families and agencies like SALT to ensure every child felt included and supported. Running a playgroup wasn’t just about childcare; it was about fostering a nurturing environment for everyone involved, staff included. I gained qualifications in Equalities and SEN.
Relocation from Nottingham to Dorset: 2001
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Moving from Nottingham to Dorset was a pivotal moment. It wasn’t just a change of scenery—it was the start of a new chapter, filled with opportunities to grow personally and professionally in the South West.
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Earlier Career Highlights
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The Japanese Water Gardens: A hands-on role where I trained with Japanese experts and koi farms to care for koi carp, maintained tropical fish, and tended to bonsai trees and pond plants. I also carried out fish husbandry and pond maintenance for customers, my main role was running the quarantine unit for koi carp imports.
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Pulse Magazine: As part of a small team producing a magazine distributed across the Midlands, I wore many hats—writing reviews, articles and interviews, organising distribution, and liaising with contributors. It was fast-paced, demanding, and exciting.
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Ruthless Mango: A flyer distribution company I co-ran, where I managed logistics, coordinated with volunteers, and ensured smooth operations.
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Club Promotion: Running a fortnightly club night in Nottingham, I created immersive events featuring performance artists, stalls, and music, blending creativity with meticulous planning.
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Rolawn Turf: During my time at Rolawn Turf, I worked closely with customers, the public, and landscape gardeners to ensure their needs were met. This part-time and ad hoc role involved calculating turf requirements, arranging deliveries with hauliers, and managing bookings. I also handled cashing up, stocktaking, and keeping accounts, gaining valuable experience in customer service, logistics, and financial management. It was a hands-on role that required attention to detail and strong organisational skills.
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Biggles Bird Centre: Volunteering at weekends, I cared for buzzards and kestrels, training them in flying for their exercise, Also. working with parrots, ensuring they were comfortable around people and ready for new homes.