BARRIE FARNSWORTH

Barrie has spent over 30 years as a journalist; writing, editing and designing a wide range of newspapers and magazines. He took over the editorship of Reflections last year after returning to his native county following a 25-year absence. A geography and economics graduate, he is a keen hill walker and an avid Spireites’ fan.
 

TOM BLYTH

Tom Blyth has a background in the Army and in business and has a lifetime of writing and editing experience, principally in technical subjects. About 10 years ago he moved into the wider fields of lifestyle and human interest writing, and now covers everything from the arts to archaeology, and ideas to industry. He travels with his camera and often supplies the pictures that accompany his articles. 

Tom was Editor of Reflections Magazine between mid-2006 and early 2009, leading the team of excellent freelance writers who contribute to the rich and varied feature writing that is the hallmark of the magazine. He relinquished the role in order to write a book on the history of the County Regiment, the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment, which was published in late 2009.
 

JOHN HOLLOWAY

John Holloway is a practised writer with a diverse portfolio of writing over many years. Give him a pen or a pc and he’ll write anything! Throughout his professional life as a careers adviser, business administrator and senior marketing manager he turned to writing as a creative outlet. Comedy material for television, greetings cards, video scripts, corporate publications, magazine features and funding applications for community groups count amongst his experiences. He has recently published his first book and is currently working on a collection of poems for young children.
 

LEONIE MARTIN

Leonie is a freelance writer and author of both fiction and non-fiction works, including publications within the financial services sector, education finance and academic papers. Her latest book, Multiple Sclerosis – The Essential Guide (Need2know Books, April 2010) has been reviewed positively by health professionals and those affected by MS. In addition to writing features Reflections, Leonie is currently researching and writing for two further book commissions: 150 Years of St Mary’s Catholic High School , Chesterfield and Volunteering – the Essential Guide. She is also a volunteer newsletter editor for the Chesterfield and District MS Society.
 

JANE CROFT

Jane Croft is a full-time writer of historical romance with several novels to her credit. These are published by Harlequin Mills and Boon and appear under her pen name of Joanna Fulford. In addition to her novels she has produced numerous articles, and her short stories have appeared in various anthologies and magazines. She is also a published poet.
 

LYNN LUDDITT

Lynn Ludditt is Chesterfield born and bred and is a freelance writer and trainer. She is a founder member of the Pomegranate Theatre Playwrights group and has had a number of plays performed at the theatre. In 2007 she won the Pomegranate New Playwriting Festival with her musical play entitled Shuffle. Having an Open University qualification in playwriting, Lynn designs and delivers bespoke creative writing workshops for adults and young people throughout Derbyshire.

JACKIE THOMPSON

Jackie Thompson grew up on a farm in Leicestershire and she still retains an interest in rural affairs. However, her enduring passions have been for history and travel and she has been fortunate to have lived and worked ‘her dream’. After spending many years working in the business travel industry, Jackie moved abroad, first to America and then to France, both of which she describes as wonderful experiences. Although now firmly based in Derbyshire, Jackie and her husband still have a house in France. 

Jackie writes regular features for local publications, combining her interests in history, people and places. Her skill in researching her subjects often unearths the unusual detail that illuminates her writing.

VIVIENNE MILBURN FRICS
I am an Independent Antiques & Fine Arts Valuer & Auctioneer, I established Vivienne Milburn Ltd. in 2001 after working for International and regional companies for 20 years. I sell antiques for my clients in appropriate sales so that they make the maximum value; I also carry out Insurance and probate valuations. I really enjoy the wonderful things I see and the people I meet, it is very satisfying job to be able to help my clients.

I am a Soroptomist in Sheffield and a member of NADFAS in Derbyshire. For relaxation and exercise I enjoy the countryside, riding with friends and family on Juno my beautiful grey mare.

REBECCA STARK

Rebecca Stark has a background in European and UK grants research, and has written on this subject for the past 13 years. More recently, she has capitalised on her interest in the local area, and has extended her portfolio to researching and writing about industrial heritage, local history and people and environmental issues. 

Her diverse professional writing services can be seen here.

JILL ARMITAGE

Jill Armitage trained as a photo/journalist and continues to write articles alongside her principal interest in romantic fiction. Over the past five years she has also produced five books on the paranormal. On Valentine's Day 2008, Romantic Haunts of Derbyshire was launched, combining her three favourite genre and demonstrating her interest in the supernatural, history and the customs of Derbyshire. Although writing and research takes up most of her time, her life revolves around her family and her three adorable Shih Tzus.
 

GODFREY HOLMES

Godfrey, who was born into a Methodist Minister's household, has always written. A body of his work on education and society has appeared in The Times Educational Supplement and Community Care, plus, on occasions, national newspapers - where his letters to the editor also appear regularly. Moving to Chesterfield in 1979, by then a Child Care Social Worker, led to Godfrey immersing himself in the County of Derbyshire and has written two series of features for Reflections – our “Lost Architectural Heritage” and "Biographies of a Road" as well as many one-off subjects for Reflection from Guide Stoops to Stations of the Cross. An accomplished public speaker, Godfrey gives many talks and lectures on Chesterfield, Matlock, Scarborough, Llandudno and Withernsea.
 

BARRY M MARSDEN

Barry has spent over 40 years as a teacher, lecturer and extramural tutor. He holds a BA in History and an MPhil in Archaeology, and is a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries and a Member of the Institute for Archaeology. He has written over 30 books and numerous articles in journals and magazines. His interests include British Prehistory, military aviation and warfare in general, electric transport systems and cricket.
 

ROSIE GILLIGAN
 
Rosie lectured in Business Studies in further education for 25 years before embarking on a BA in Fine Art, then an MA in Printmaking. She has been the Secretary of Derbyshire Open Arts since 2005. As a member of Wingerworth Wordsmiths, an award-winning creative writing group, she now concentrates upon short stories, as well as longer pieces of fiction. However, to make sure she retains contact with the real world, she enjoys finding interesting local issues and people to investigate and write about for Reflections Magazine. 
 

CATHERINE ROTH

Catherine is a freelance writer and teaches creative writing. Her short plays have been performed by professional actors at theatres in Chesterfield and Birmingham. She also encourages people of all ages to discover the magic of words through writing workshops. In 2008 Catherine founded Wild Orchid Theatre, which performs exciting new writing in non-traditional theatre spaces (including a former canal-side warehouse, a bottle kiln and an empty shop). In addition to her love of writing, literature and theatre, Catherine enjoys rambling and sailing.
 

JOANNE KELLY

Joanne is an English teacher with a passion for journalism and is involved with writing for Reflections and for various websites. She studied comparative literature before going on to take a PGCE in Secondary English. She loves fish-keeping, going to the cinema and walking her two beautiful but stubborn shiba dogs, Dali and Yoshi.