Something about our Speakers

Julia Donaldson became Children’s Laureate last year. She writes on her website: "I think it’s going to be a very busy two years and I see it as an exciting adventure. " We're very happy to say that one stop in the Gruffalo creator's schedule is MWF 2012. And if you snap up a ticket, there will a chance to hear her talk about her writing, to ask questions and to buy a signed copy of one of her popular books.
Shannon Murray Paralysed in an accident at age 14, Shannon graduated in Law and has since become UK's top disabled model, actor and spokesperson for disability in the media. She shows that disabled women are as intelligent, funny, beautiful, independent and sexy as their able bodied sisters.
Jo Booth has always painted and discovered printmaking whilst studying fine art at Hereford College of Art and Design as a mature student. She then went on to achieve distinction in an MA in Printmaking at the University of Wales, Newport. She is especially concerned with landscape and expressing the world around, trying to capture its essence.
Debs Goodenough was born and trained in Canada, worked at Denver Botanic Garden, Kew Gardens and Ventnor Botanic Gardens. Became Head Gardener at Osborne House, home of Queen Victoria. In 2008 became Head Gardener to HRH the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall with gardening responsibilities for all their properties.
Helena Gerrish is the acknowledged expert on her predecessor at High Glanau in Monmouthshire, Henry Avray Tipping. She gives talks, write articles and throws open her beautifully restored garden to hundreds of visitors during the summer.