Heather has been a member of the viola section for 7 years and is married to Simon, the principal horn player. They live in East Leake, so the journey to rehearsals takes approximately 15-20 minutes (depending on which of them is driving!). Heather also leads the viola section in the Loughborough Orchestra.

In February 2005, Heather embarked upon a complete change of career. Formerly an IT Project Manager in the NHS, she now works for SureStart in Loughborough as Volunteer Co-ordinator. Sure Start programmes work in areas of social deprivation with families with children under 4, and Heather is really enjoying her work. In addition, she works as a Basic Skills tutor for Loughborough College and the photo shows Heather teaching English with IT class at Rendell School.

In her spare time Heather is a trustee and a volunteer with Home-Start Charnwood, a charity which supports families with children under 5. As Heather's two sons are now aged 28 and 23, she really values the opportunity to spend time with young children and see them develop. She is also an active member of East Leake Baptist Church where she regularly plays in the worship band.

Heather thoroughly enjoys being part of the Charnwood Orchestra because the enjoyment of making music together is enhanced by its strong social tradition (ie in the pub every week after rehearsals!).