Our Course Hosts & Project Collaborators
Becky Wash
Hi I’m Becky, I am a paper artist and since 2011 I have run my own stationery business, Retro from Scratch. I make nostalgic notebooks by recycling old, un-loved books and I give them a new lease of life in the form of notebooks, planners and diaries. I am passionate about caring for our environment and reducing waste, so any left-over book pages are used in my craft kits and craft workshops.
I live on the London / Essex border with my husband and two dogs, Bert and Ted. In my spare time I enjoy exploring the Essex countryside, and sharing interesting dog friendly walks on our dedicated social media pages, Follow the Paws Outdoors. This allows me to enjoy my love of history, nature, and also discover wonderful tea rooms where it would be rude not to sample the cake!
Charlotte Oakley
Hi I’m Charlotte!
I am a freelance artist and designer and proud mother to my toy poodle Arthur!
I have spent the last 10 years working as an artist and designer. Creating wall decor, clocks, mirrors and wall art. More recently I have been designing greetings cards.
I work mostly as a digital artist, using photoshop and an iPad. I was however trained traditionally, predominantly in water colour and woodcut printing.
Eve Cale
Hi, I’m Eve. I’m the founder of Giftwrapped by Eve, where I help people discover the joy of gift wrapping with an eco-friendly twist. Whether it's about reducing waste, choosing more sustainable materials or learning simple techniques, my goal is to make wrapping easier, more creative and a little kinder to the planet.
Since 2018, I’ve been working with the WI here in Wiltshire, where I live, and have had the pleasure of visiting many groups across the county to share my talk and hands-on workshop. I’m really excited to now bring even more tips and inspiration to you online through the Learning Hub.
Felicia Jones
Hi, I’m Felicia. I’m a Nutritionist and Stress Management Trainer, and the founder of Stress Less Living. I’m passionate about supporting people to feel better through balanced nutrition and practical tools for managing everyday stress.
Over the past 15 years, I’ve worked across private healthcare, public health and the social sector. My work has included everything from weight management in both adults and expectant mothers, to supporting older adults at risk of malnutrition, diabetes and obesity. I’ve also worked as a Nutritional Therapist’s Supervisor and as a consultant on food insecurity and sustainability for local authorities and funding trusts.
I’m a registered WI speaker and have really enjoyed meeting WI members and sharing my talks over the past three years.
Felicity Jennings
Hi, I’m Felicity! I love teaching crafts through the WI Learning Hub, from crochet and drawing to dotting and paper crafts. My goal is to make every class fun and accessible for everyone.
I’ve worked in education for over 30 years and have been crafting all my life. I live in the beautiful Yorkshire town of Harrogate, and when I’m not crafting, you’ll often find me gardening, visiting the theatre or playing with my cats.
I’m also an active member and former President of my local WI.
Gill Towell
Hi, I’m Gill, founder of GillyMac Designs, where I teach sewing to children and adults locally and online. I’ve been honoured to win national awards for my children’s classes and work with Liberty of London, the Quilters Guild of the British Isles, and Janome, providing tutorials for teens on their website and YouTube channel.
My work has been exhibited across the UK, including at the Turner Contemporary Gallery as part of the GENArt movement. Each week I run multiple classes for adults, teens and juniors, alongside a vibrant online community where my pupils connect through sewalongs and virtual retreats.
I’m passionate about making world-class sewing tuition accessible to everyone, and I support sewing education through groups like the Quilters Guild, Modern Quilt Guild and the Duke of Edinburgh Awards program.
Jen Baldwin
Hi, I’m Jen. I’ve been working professionally in genealogy since 2010, but my passion for family history started when I was just ten years old and has only grown since then.
I’m currently the Research Specialist and North American Content Manager for Findmypast, and my work is regularly featured by media outlets across Great Britain. I also co-host Was Justice Served?, a historical true crime podcast that dives into stories from the past with a genealogical twist.
Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to lecture internationally, write, and consult on a range of genealogy topics. One highlight was being part of the research team for season two of Genealogy Roadshow on PBS in the US.
I’m always on the lookout for unique sources that offer a fresh perspective on family history research. I also serve as a Trustee for the International Society for British Genealogy and Family History, helping to support others in their research journeys.
Julie Sajous
Hi, I’m Julie! I’m an artist and art teacher living on the beautiful Isle of Wight, where my sunny studio sits surrounded by farmland and close to the sea.
I trained as a fashion designer and worked in New York and London before moving into teaching art and design. Now I split my time between teaching in my studio, running online lessons and creating my own paintings and sketches. I exhibit locally and take part in the Island’s Open Studios each summer.
During lockdown, I ran a virtual art school and have loved teaching through my films of beautiful places. My aim is to help students of all levels gain confidence and enjoy their art.
Lindsey Barrell
Hi, I’m Lindsey, WI President and a British Sign Language user for the past 14 years. I recently completed Level 3 in BSL and have a background supporting deaf students in high school, working in outreach for Deafblind UK and with the ECL Sensory Team in Essex. These roles have given me valuable experience working with people who have both hearing and visual impairments.
I’ve been delivering workshops, courses and talks on BSL for 12 years and enjoy helping others learn and connect through sign language.
Louise Goult
Hi, I’m Louise. I’m a textile artist, tutor and community arts practitioner living on the beautiful North East coast. I love sharing my passion for textiles and embroidery, and I enjoy helping people create pieces that feel personal and unique using a wide range of materials.
I teach workshops across the UK and online, exhibit my artwork and lead creative projects within the community. Whether it's through stitching, experimenting with texture or bringing people together through craft, I believe in the power of creativity to inspire and connect.
When I’m not working, you’ll often find me walking by the sea, exploring local woodlands or getting stuck into a good book. I live with my family and two very pampered guinea pigs who keep us all entertained.
Lynda Warren
Hi, I’m Lynda. I’m an educational consultant, writer and public speaker with a lifelong passion for herbs and natural living. I’ve spent over 20 years combining this love with my work, from writing for the UK Herb Society and Kitchen Garden Magazine to sharing knowledge through talks and classes.
My background is rich and varied. I’ve worked behind the scenes on period dramas where I managed props, costumes and even trained animals, before focusing more fully on education and herbal writing.
I live in the Wiltshire countryside with my husband and son, where I continue to find daily inspiration in the natural world and a simpler way of living.
Mary Mackee
Hi, I’m Mary. I’ve spent over ten years working in the family history world and I’m currently the UK Archives Manager at Findmypast, where I manage partnerships with archives and institutions to help bring historical records to life.
Before this, I led digitisation efforts at Findmypast, working with fantastic teams to preserve and publish millions of historic records and newspapers each year.
I hold a Master’s degree from Queen’s University Belfast and I’m currently working towards my PhD at Birkbeck, University of London. My research, titled “Bureaucratic Graffiti,” explores the fascinating marginalia found in the 1921 Census of England and Wales.
I’ve had the pleasure of sharing my work on BBC Morning Live, BBC Women’s Hour, and the History Hit podcast with Dan Snow. I also regularly speak at history and archives conferences across the UK, Ireland and the US.
Nicola Lighterness
Hi, I’m Nicola. I’m a social media manager and consultant, and for the past eight years I’ve been working with creative agency Blue Serif. I’ve supported a wide range of brands across B2B, B2C and the charity sector, helping them strengthen their social media presence and connect with their audiences more effectively.
Alongside managing day-to-day content and strategy, I also run social media training sessions, audits and workshops to help others feel more confident and capable online.
I live in Essex with my husband and young son, and I’m an active committee member of my local WI, where I also look after the group’s social media. When I’m not at WI events (which is quite often!), you’ll usually find me out and about with my son, reading a good book or working on my latest crochet project.
I’m really looking forward to helping WI members discover easy, practical ways to improve their social media and feel more at home with promoting all the brilliant things their WIs are doing.
Peter Lawrence
Hi, I’m Peter. After retiring from Scotland Yard’s Royalty & Diplomatic Protection in 1992, I’ve been sharing my passion for history as an adult education tutor and lecturer. I focus on topics like the development of London and East Anglia, along with stories from my time at Scotland Yard.
I’ve been involved with the WI since 1995, and I enjoy giving talks both online and to local WIs in my adopted home of Norfolk. I’m also proud to be a Freeman of the City of London.
Dr Ruth Stalker-Firth
Hi, I’m Ruth. I write about technology and storytelling because, for me, they are deeply connected ways of understanding ourselves and the world around us. I’m fascinated by the ways people use technology, and how technology shapes our lives in return.
Before becoming a university lecturer, I worked as a web designer and wrote software for a variety of projects—from bridge monitoring to engineering plants, exhibition centres and architectural firms. I truly believe that good human-computer interaction helps us all feel more comfortable with technology so we can use it to solve the problems that matter most.
Since 2001, I’ve been teaching at universities including Lancaster, Westminster and Birkbeck, University of London, covering subjects like HCI, artificial intelligence, cognitive science, biometrics, IT security and web technologies. More recently, I’ve been sharing my passion for HCI through online courses on Udemy.
Sarah-Jane Stephens
Hi, I’m Sarah-Jane! With over 13 years of experience, I teach a blend of Pilates and Yoga both in person and online. I love combining these two practices to create dynamic flows that energise and tone the body, helping you feel strong and flexible after every session.
My classes offer a variety of challenges and adaptations, making sure everyone enjoys a unique and rewarding experience, no matter their ability.
Dr Simon Gregor
Hi, I’m Simon. My love for literature and history began as a child studying the Tudors. I studied English Literature at Cambridge and later completed a PhD in History at Wolverhampton.
I combine these passions in my teaching, with experience leading classes both in person and online, including at Denman College and Denman at Home. My travels have taken me to many of the historic places I teach about, and I’ve been fortunate to lead tours across the UK and Europe.
I’m all about making literature and history fun and accessible — and I do occasionally tell bad jokes, so apologies in advance! I’m also passionate about mindfulness and run a monthly meditation session open to everyone, whether you’re experienced or just curious.
Steve Carroll
Hi, I’m Steve. I’m an artist and teacher with many years of experience, and I bring a passion for both to everything I do. I’m also an accredited Lecturer for the Arts Society and have been lucky enough to travel to places as diverse as America, India and Zambia to share my love of art.
What excites me most is connecting art history with the historical context of the times, exploring how art movements and techniques reflect the world around them. It’s this connection that I enjoy bringing to my teaching and work.
Tilo Flache
Hi, I’m Tilo. I’m a travel-loving German living in Brighton, and I love sharing travel talks filled with history, human stories, surprising facts and whatever else sparks my curiosity. Some of my talks focus more on history, with a sprinkle of local trivia to keep things lively.
I also run beginner-friendly technology workshops and occasionally lead art or decluttering sessions, keeping things varied and fun!
Vicky Constantine-Foster
Hi, I’m Vicky! I’m the Membership Operations Manager at the NFWI, and before this role I worked closely with unpaid carers; first as an Adult Carer Adviser and then managing a Young Adult Carers Service at a local Carers Centre.
I’ve always been drawn to storytelling in all its forms, whether that’s through films, fiction, theatre or TV series. I love nothing more than getting lost in a great story and then diving into a good conversation about it afterwards, especially when it explores the social dynamics and deeper meanings behind the plot.
I’m really looking forward to welcoming you to our monthly Film Club, where we can all enjoy a good film and a great chat!
Gillian Cain
Hi, I’m Gillian. I’m a craft enthusiast who loves the whole creative process and enjoys offering something for everyone, from beginners to advanced makers. I’ve dabbled in many arts and crafts and still have plenty more to try. Even before upcycling became popular, I was using old and unwanted items in my projects.
I run my own small business, take part in local craft cooperatives, attend handmade markets, and have started running workshops, which is a dream come true for me. I love helping others discover what they can create. My WI always includes two crafty evenings each year, which I’ve led for a few years now and they’re always great fun.
I have a guilty pleasure for knitting character tea cosies, a hobby I picked up during lockdown that’s still going strong, with many patterns and never enough time.
Kirstie Phipps
Hi, I’m Kirstie. I’m an avid crafter and previously worked at the NFWI as the Craft Committee Secretary. I love learning new crafts and techniques, often attending workshops, classes and crafty events.
Travel is another passion of mine, and I always try to discover local crafts and visit craft shops wherever I go. My favourite crafts are making polymer clay earrings, which I sell at local fairs and shops, and doing cross stitch or crochet while relaxing with my dog, Reginald.
Lucie Wilson
Hi, I’m Lucie! I'm a food writer and recipe creator from Hampshire. Cooking has been part of my life from childhood, thanks to my mum who taught cookery. Growing up in a partly Italian family, food has always been serious business—no pineapple on pizza here! Baking is my happy place and a mindful moment I love to share through my recipes.
I’m also an animal lover with three lively cats and a big Formula 1 fan, especially of Lewis Hamilton. I hope my recipes bring you as much joy as they bring me!
