Verity Tiff
Regional Qualification(s):
Heart of England
Language(s):
English
Phone Number(s):
07425 179053, 024 7646 8205
Website:
Read more about me:
Contact guide
Introduction:
Born in London, studied in Bristol, worked in Grimsby and I now live in Coventry, currently European City of Sport and soon to be UK City of culture. Yes, I have moved around a bit and I never tire of discovering new hidden places, both town and countryside.
After completing my degree in Biochemistry at Bristol I taught for many years in a variety of schools and colleges (including Special needs education, 6th form college and adult education classes) and then after moving to Coventry I worked at Warwick Business School, with MBA and then Doctoral (PhD) students supporting them in an administrative role. It was whilst doing this that I discovered my passion for meeting students (including mature students) from a variety of backgrounds and found that I really enjoyed showing them around the University and suggesting other places of interest in the Heart of England.
Whilst working at the University of Warwick, I took the opportunity to continue my own personal education including obtaining and Open studies certificate in Ecology and Conservation. As a qualified Blue Badge Guide in the Heart of England I would be delighted to help you make the most of your time in this wonderfully diverse region.
We have industrial heritage at ironbridge, the cradle of the industrial revolution; the potteries at Stoke on Trent and the Royal Worcester Porcelain Museum in Worcester and Birmingham, "City of a Thousand Trades". There is outstanding architecture, glorious countryside and links to famous people both real and in fiction.
Personal Interests:
| Countryside walking (hiking). I have the Lowland Leader Award, awarded through the Mountain Training Scheme and have a Silver Award through the National Navigation Award Scheme. Also an outdoor First Aid Certificate (skills which I hope that I will not need to use) |
| Roman Britain including Hadrian's Wall: Life on the Roman Frontier. |
| History and how perceptions of historic events change over time. Following the recent discovery of his skeleton I completed the Future Learn course studying "England in the time of Richard III. |
| Detective stories in literature, TV, film and theatre. |
| European languges and culture. I have studied italian for a number of years, but rarely get the chance to put what i have learnt into practice. Buongiorno! Mi chiamo Verity, bienvenutal a coventry. Dove vorreste visitare oggi? |
Special Interests:
| Walking Tours | I offer bespoke and pre-planned walks in both town and countryside. |
| Countryside | Look at our countryside in a new light as I tell you about the battles fought and the stories behind some of our quirky place names such as Chipping Campden (market in the valley containing enclosures) and Ludlow (place at the hill by the noisy rapids.) |
| Gardens | England is famous for it's gardens and our love of gardening. Follow the History of English Gardens starting with the Roman Garden at Cirencester; see the wonderfully restored and replanted Elizabethan Knot Garden at Kenilworth Castle and amazing water features such as the Grand Cascade at Chatsworth. Visit the world famous Hidcote with its Arts &Craft style "rooms" and the "Sermon on the Mount" yews at Packwood. |
| Architecture | Warwick castle and many others can be found in the region which was fought over in our 4 civil wars. There is the Regency elegance of Cheltenham and the narrow medieval streets and alleyways in Tewkesbury. |
| Churches & Cathedrals | Take a tour of Gloucester, Worcester and Hereford cathedrals home to the three choirs festival. |
| Stately Homes & Country Houses | From Blenheim Palace, birthplace of Winston Churchill to the Moated Manor House at Baddesley Clinton with it's catholic priestholes and everything in between, I can tailor your trip to your individual interests. |
| Folklore & Traditions | From well dressing in the Malverns (a place beloved by Elgar) to Morris dancing, discover the local traditions and food of the region. |
| Industrial Heritage | Ironbridge in coalbrookdale, the cradle of the industrial revolution is an amazing sight, recently restored and painted in its original colours. Take a trip on a canal boat along the waterways which were once the backbone of the transport network or ride on aheritage steam train such as the Severn Valley Railway. |
| Theatre | Stratford upon Avon with its Shakespeare properties is also home to the roya Shakespeare Company. why not combine your visit with a trip to the theatre and a behind the scenes tour to see some of the costumes and props used in past productions. |
| Education | All trips can be linked to the national Curriculum, Key stages 1,2 3 & 4. Autism friendly tours can also be arranged. |
Endorsements:
Windsor & Eton
Additional Qualifications:
BSc, PGCE
Driver Guide:
No