In our last blog we took a look at our journey so far. This week, we’d like to introduce the people behind it: Esther Gill, Catherine Bloodworth, and Lisa Davenport. Here’s a bit of a personal look at who we are and what makes us tick.
Most memorable arts/heritage space visited?
Esther: The ones that immediately come to mind include: The Panacea Museum in Bedford, where my spine tingled with the story that was being told or Skara Brae, Orkney, where I felt I could sense the daily lives of neolithic people.
Catherine: I love small, quirky museums and spaces — favourites include the Sir John Soane Museum and Dennis Severs’ House. One of my most unforgettable experiences was Punchdrunk’s The Masque of the Red Death at Battersea Arts Centre — my first taste of immersive theatre. It was everything I want from performance and art: intrigue, challenge, fun, and outstanding performances and production.
Lisa: I do have a great memory of Magpie Mine, the remains of a 19th Century lead mine in the Peak District. Years ago (before smartphones!) I was walking in the area and came across a little symbol on a map and an intriguing name, so I went to have a look. I found a fascinating selection of semi-ruinous buildings; an engine house, smithy and some great chimneys you can freely explore. It wasn’t a visitor attraction, no facilities, limited interpretation and not a soul there when I visited, but the simplicity all added to the experience.
If we peeked at your desk right now, what would we find?
Catherine: My desk’s state depends on whether I’m mid-report! When I write, papers take over, but right now it’s just a plant and a few of Sarah Jane Brown’s delicate miniature sculptures: tiny wire trees, birds, boats, and park benches that perfectly capture my love of tiny art.
Lisa: Lists (several), post-it notes (hundreds), and at least two mugs of half-drunk tea. My cat Tilly, who likes to bat my pens around and sleep on my paperwork. I have, of course, an online calendar, but I still love having a week-to-view diary on my desk and writing absolutely everything in it.
Esther: Alongside my laptop as I write is: coffee in my favourite Moomin mug; a pile of books and journals ‘to read’; a bottle of hand cream and lots of pens and notebooks.
What book or podcast do you always recommend to others?
Lisa: I’ve recently come across the Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal podcast which I’ve been enjoying. I like the storytelling and the way the presenters unpick the topic and provide an insight into the time period to try and get to the bottom of what really happened.
Esther: Currently, The Rest is History podcast is helping to fill in the (huge) gaps in my knowledge and as we head towards midwinter, I will be re-reading Moominland Midwinter (Tove Jansson).
Catherine: It’s hard to choose between a good book and a great podcast! I’m drawn to those on wellness and personal growth — favourites include The Mel Robbins Podcast, Feel Better, Live More with Dr Rangan Chatterjee, and The Diary of a CEO.
Which landscape do you never get tired of revisiting?
Esther: I spent childhood summers in the Lake District, around Grasmere and Rydal, and it still can’t be beat. It has been a great pleasure to take my own children there.
Catherine: Being in “big nature” is my happy place. I’ve visited Seven Sisters Country Park in East Sussex since childhood, which is stunning. A close second is Loch Muick in Aberdeenshire, a breathtakingly peaceful and beautiful location.
Lisa: The Seaton Viaduct in Rutland, which I remember being in awe of as a child, and I still feel that way today. The sheer size of it, and the landscape it sits in is beyond beautiful.
What’s your favourite way to start the day before diving into work?
Catherine: One of two ways, either doing laps in the pool, or doing a circular walk along the River Thames and taking a break from the urban landscape.
Lisa: Walking my son to school in the sunshine.
Esther: Walking in my local park with a friend and her dog; watching the day emerge.
Go to snack during a busy work week?
Esther: Rice cake with crunchy peanut butter (or Spicy Nik Naks, my guilty pleasure, except that I don’t believe in guilty pleasures!).
Catherine: Hmm, probably dark chocolate!
Lisa: Digestive biscuits dunked in tea.
Any other questions for us? Do ask.