About Me

Who am I?

I’m a former teacher, with over 20 years’ experience of teaching everyone from 6-year-olds to adults, including teenagers with special educational needs.

Although my degree was science, I’ve had a lifelong interest in history and after moving to Coventry over 20 years ago I became fascinated by the history and geography of the midlands. A chance meeting encouraged me to train as a Blue Badge Tourist Guide and that’s what I did.

Why do I do what I do

When I signed up to do the Heart of England Blue Badge course it was largely for interest, but after finishing in 2016 I realised that I had now finally found my ideal job.

For me, walking is the best way to really get to know a place, so a lot of my work is walking tours – town and countryside.

But I also enjoy giving coach commentaries when I can sometimes develop a wider theme as I explain some of the history and culture of the UK, especially to visitors from overseas.

Why work with me?

Apart from the obvious –

I genuinely love what I do. It’s great to have the opportunity to meet people from all backgrounds and I like nothing better than helping visitors to the region discover some of the reasons why places are as they are today.

If you want to find out more about me...

Follow me on LinkedIn (you can click the image of my LinkedIn Page)

Subscribe to my LinkedIn Diary of a Tourist Guide

Look at my reviews on Google – (you can click the icon)

I am a Blue Badge Tourist Guide for the Heart of England and a Windsor Castle accredited guide. A major interest of mine is countryside walking and I am a Lowland Walk leader, qualified through mountain training. I also hold a Silver Award in the National Navigation Scheme.

Mountain Training – Click here

NNAS – Click here

Based on the edge of Coventry I am ideally situated to reach all parts of this fascinating region whether you’re wanting to experience Coventry UK city of culture 2021 or want to explore the surrounding country villages and towns.

Through Visit England I have the “We’re Good to Go” certificated accreditation and Safe Travel Stamp and all tours are fully risk-assessed and guided in a Covid secure way.

I read Biochemistry at the University of Bristol and taught science at secondary school age as well as teaching Chemistry to adult learners. After having a family I taught science and other subjects to a variety of age groups and also taught in schools catering for children with a variety of educational needs, including autism.

After moving to Coventry I worked as an administrator at both Coventry University for a short while and then at Warwick Business School, working with MBA and Doctoral students. It was whilst at the university that I realised I particularly enjoyed showing round international students and helping them to make the most of their time here.

I am passionate about encouraging people to get walking and have been a volunteer walk leader (and for a while the local scheme coordinator) of the Coventry Walking for Health Scheme for 8 years. I also lead walks in England and Italy for an award-winning holiday company, including holidays which cater for families.

My many other interests include wildlife and the countryside, social history, industrial history, music (listening to and taking part as a performer), going to the theatre and reading especially detective and historical novels. Some of my favourites such as the Stories of Brother Cadfael combine both and they’re set in Shrewsbury in our region.

I’ve been learning Italian for several years and although not an Italian qualified guide, I have a working knowledge of Italian sufficient to tour manage a group who are not English speakers. I’m also able to meet and greet in French and German.

Call 07425 179053

or email tours@ventureswithverity.co.uk

Feedback from individuals for tours:

“Thank you so much for all the efforts that made our walk on Monday such a success. Being partially sighted, I appreciate the way you look out for me and warn me of tree-roots ahead or other hazards ahead, but you are sensitive. I think you assess the situation well and help where it is needed and not otherwise.” John

“Thank you for the very interesting walk that you led for the Heritage Weekend” John Coventry “I and the students really enjoyed the tour yesterday” Debra, Buffalo USA.

“You were an excellent tour guide in Stratford” Julie

Feedback from firms who have used me with their groups:

“I used your service with one of my groups and the feedback was very good.” Worldwide DMC

“The passengers gave very positive feedback about your guiding and appreciated your ‘sensible approach considering the weather’”. Francesca English Holiday Cruises

“We had some very complimentary feedback about you from yesterday, thanks for the good work! ” Jenny, Greatdays Day Trips

Feedback about online lectures and virtual tours:

“Thanks for an excellent talk this morning”. John, London

“enjoyed this thanks Verity” Graham

“A million thanks Verity for clarifying a complicated subject” Sally

“Enjoyed this thanks Verity”.

“Thanks very much for the tour Verity, really enjoyed it”. Penelope, S Woodford

“Did this on Thursday night and really enjoyed it”. Sal