Names and faces

John Bardsley - Field Officer

John began his career as a geography teacher in Manchester and eventually was headteacher of two 11-18 comprehensive schools in Congleton and Sheffield. He joined SHA in 1982 when he became a deputy head in Poynton. He became a field officer for South and West Yorkshire and the East Midlands in January 2002.

He particularly enjoys the opportunity that being a field officer allows him to try to help colleagues through difficult or stressful times in what he sees as becoming an increasingly complex and demanding job.

Married to Pat with three daughters, one son and one granddaughter, he lives in Sheffield on the edge of the Peak District, where he walks each day with his Collie cross dog, Dibley.

John was England Men's Lacrosse coach for nine years and sang in a folk group "for decades". He has recently returned to the latter but sport is restricted only to watching these days.

Pippa Ludlow - Communications Administrator

Pippa joined ASCL in 1998 as a temp assisting reception, MAPS and conferences. In 2002 she became PA to the assistant general secretary, a role she remained in for four years.

She made the transition to communications administrator in May 2006, supporting the communications director, publications and website manager and the IT manager, which can include anything from updating the website to exhibitions to research.

In her spare time, Pippa makes handmade cards and jewellery and has created wedding stationery for friends, associates and ASCL colleagues.

Until recently she taught crafts to patients at a local mental health hospital, which she did for six years. She also enjoys spending time with her family and friends, cooking, eating and decorating her recently purchased first home with her boyfriend Nick.