Author of three non-fiction books and numerous articles on Birmingham’s open air schools, ie. special education for delicate children.   

Seeking publisher for latest book on the history of England’s open air schools 1907-1970 [includes School Medical Services, TB, the schools, special architecture, unique photographs, educational and medical history plus first-hand accounts from children, teachers and medical personnel back to the 1920s,]. Sequel to A Breath of Fresh  Air: Birmingham’s open-air schools 1911-70, Phillimore, 1998, which generated excellent reviews and  media coverage.      

Author of other books and articles on Birmingham history:

Around 4 o’clock: memories of Sparkhill and Acocks Green, Brewin Books, 1993

The History of Harborne Hall, Meridian Books, 1991.

Articles on open-air schools: Local Historian, May 1999, p.102-113; Local History, May 1998, p.14-16; Birmingham Historian, No.15 1998, p.51-3; Health & Hygiene, No.19., 1998, p.165-8; History of Education Society Bulletin, no.64, Nov 1999, p.102-112. 

Press information: Author of books on Birmingham history and a unique special education. Currently writing the comprehensive history of England’s open-air schools 1907-1970.   Former college librarian, now retired, enjoying natural history, rambling and the countryside.  Living proof that open-air schools  were successful, as she  spent five years in two of Birmingham’s open-air schools as a child with severe respiratory illnesses, experiencing open-sided classes and dormitories in all weathers, daily outdoor breathing exercises, rest sessions on stretchers and  lots of nourishing  food that had to be consumed. In this special education , health was more important than schooling in order to cure ailing pupils in the days when TB was a daily threat.