Who we are

Who are we?  This is something many of us may ask ourselves from time to time!  For the purpose of giving you an idea of 'who we are' here is some background information!  A big part of the course is about how we can learn to become more of our unique selves.  We can then bring the benefits of this into our own lives and our interactions with the wider world.  During the time you spend with us we will do our very best to support you in this process. 

Ann Algie: 

Ann began her working life as a Medical Secretary before becoming a Registered General Nurse and Midwife in the 1980’s.  While working part-time and bringing up her two sons Ann gained a BSc(Hons) degree in Psychology with the Open University and taught GCSE Psychology to adults in further education.  Over the following 15 years Ann studied Counselling, Drystone walling and Permaculture Design amongst other things!  Community and people management roles followed. She helped to create and lead many community projects working with a diversity of people and situations.  These included setting up a charity to help children affected by the Chernobyl disaster, forming a group to set up and run a mobile cinema, creating a community garden and serving as a local councillor.  In 2008 she completed a Permaculture Design Course on the Isle of Man and this eventually led to her moving from the Yorkshire Dales market town of Settle to Aveyron in South West France to pursue her ambition, and challenge, of living a more sustainable life.  She enjoys spending time surrounded by nature, writing, learning to grow food organically and discovering more about the connections between the inner person and the wider world.   

Tom Algie:

Tom is an entrepreneur and innovation specialist. He trained as an engineer with GEC and studied at the University of Bradford.  In the 1980s and 90s he managed and directed several high growth 'not for profit' companies in the UK.  Tom also led training courses based at the University of Teesside to create and develop new product and business ideas.  In 2001 he established a successful retail business which he sold in 2012.  He is enthusiastic about the personal development of himself and the people he connects with and enjoys solving practical problems.