Meet Louise: Head of Education & Engagement

Why do you do what you do?

I am Head of Education and Engagement for the Trust, and I oversee the delivery of all our education programmes which are all focused on enhancing learning about Buxton and its history. I’m passionate about promoting engagement with local cultural groups, fostering relationships, and creating meaningful educational experiences for everyone who visits us.

When did you start and why?

I started working for the Trust in 2019, but my journey in education began much earlier, I qualified as a primary school teacher in 1998. After leaving full-time teaching, I set up my own business, Make It Create It, delivering after-school workshops to schools across the High Peak.

When I joined the Trust, things looked very different. The Pump Room had only just finished its restoration, and the Crescent was still very much a building site. I started as a learning facilitator alongside my colleague Katie Potter, and we spent a lot of time designing school workshops without ever having stepped inside the Crescent!

We created characters like Mary the Well Woman, and Porto, a Roman soldier, who are still part of our programmes today.  Our storytelling and dressing-up help to bring history to life for everyone, and we love to get children (and adults!) to dress up when we can. It all adds to the experience. I love this job because I love history, particularly social and living history, which has always been one of my favourite subjects to teach.

What’s the strangest thing that’s happened to you on the job?

You never quite know what the day will bring when working at the Trust, and there have definitely been some peculiar moments. Walking through the basements of the Crescent with a paranormal group was a particularly bizarre experience, and being filmed with Susan Calman for Grand Days Out was certainly something I never expected to do!

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I love the creativity this role allows. Teaching has always been a passion of mine, and working with schools outside of the classroom keeps that love alive. I enjoy creating experiences for students and teachers that I would have loved to take part in myself.

The team at Buxton Crescent Heritage Trust is the most dedicated and passionate group of people I’ve ever worked with, all sharing a deep love for Buxton and its heritage. My role is incredibly varied, but the days I enjoy most are when I get to talk tothe public, parents, teachers, and creatives. It’s those connections that make this work so rewarding.

Would you encourage others to get involved?

Absolutely! I would encourage anyone to consider working or volunteering for a charity like ours. I used to think I wouldn’t be able to do anything outside of teaching, but I’ve realised that teaching equips you with an incredible skill set that is easily transferable. I would especially encourage teachers who are thinking of a career change to recognise the value of their skills. There’s a world of opportunities beyond the classroom!

One interesting fact about you that people might not know?

I have got a Blue Peter badge! I was invited onto Blue Peter to take part in a live craft segment. I was working with a school on a creative project and we had to set up a webcam and be ready to make a bag from a T-shirt live on air. It was a lot of fun and a truly memorable experience! Everyone is very jealous of my badge and they always want to see it.