Karen Hobbs
What do you do at Hill End?
I am the Programme Manager overseeing all our education programs covering all ages, from toddlers to adults. Our programmes are wide-ranging which I love. They include history days, environmental education such as pond dipping, orienteering, residentials, family events, CPD, Forest School training – with 65 acres to explore we have a lot of education programmes! I also go off-site to support and develop outside areas in other settings. We are also looking to develop adult learning programs open to the public e.g. willow weaving and photography.
How long have you been at Hill End?
9 years
Background
I worked in early years for 12 years and for the last 6 years was a pre-school supervisor.
Best memory at Hill End
During a special event commemorating our long history we had the chance to see old footage held on British Pathé showing children in the 1940’s enjoying the high dorm and sleeping in the sunshine on wooden boards. We also had a very special viewing of a feature film, made in the 1930’s by Raymond Ffennells daughter Hazel, entitled ‘Days of Chivalry’. It was an amazing experience to see the history brought to life on screen.
Favourite animal spotted on-site
Mr Squirrel!
Hot chocolate or ice lolly
Ice Lolly