From Juliet Bravo to Jaipur – the Long Road Travelled

Watching Juliet Bravo as a teenager sparked a powerful ambition in me: strong, no-nonsense women breaking boundaries — I wanted a part of that. Thirty years on, with a teenage son of my own and a career as a senior police officer in one of the UK’s biggest cities, I was leading investigations into misconduct and corruption, while also championing women’s rights — tackling everything from gender inequality and menopause awareness, to fair representation and the fight against sexual harassment. Alongside that, I played my part in the operational frontline — overseeing major incidents, serious crime investigations, and even managing the policing of football matches, as well as coaching, mentoring and leading large departments. Life was fast-paced and full-on.

Then everything changed. I caught Covid. Although I avoided hospital, the virus hit me hard. I spent weeks mostly confined to bed, and months barely leaving the house. The fatigue lingered, accompanied by brain fog, digestive issues, and a profound sense of being unwell. I never fully regained my health, and three years later, I had to take medical retirement. Living with chronic illness was a steep learning curve — questioning yourself constantly (“am I just tired?” “is this just menopause?”), and facing the guilt of not being able to do your job, in a system already under strain. It’s been a tough road.

But in the midst of recovery, I discovered something unexpected: Indian block printing. The feel of carved wooden blocks, the endless patterns and vibrant colours, the gentle creativity — it was accessible, satisfying, and brought a smile on even the slowest of days. I fell in love with it.

In Spring 2025, I was lucky enough to visit India with my aging parents — a journey in itself! Jaipur was a highlight, where I met skilled artisans hand-carving blocks, dyeing fabrics, and printing intricate designs. The energy, colour, and craftsmanship were unforgettable. Let’s just say my suitcase came back fuller than it went…

These days, with careful pacing, I run block printing workshops that weave together creativity and connection. After decades in policing, stepping into the world of small business has been a very different experience —it keeps my mind engaged and offers fresh challenges, while allowing me to share something I love. There’s something quietly powerful about making art with your hands while sharing stories. It creates a space where people feel seen and heard — and leave with something that makes them smile.

As outlined above, I have a number of areas of interest that I can combine, or talk about separately – depending on interest and length of session. I provide a personal, and invariably humorous perspective on:

• From Juliet Bravo to Jaipur – how did that happen?
• This Woman in a man’s world – policing over a 30 year career;
• The glass ceiling – real or illusion? Working for equality in modern policing
• Long Covid – the hidden legacy
• They’re wandering off again – taking your aging parents on an unescorted tour of India
• Indian Block Printing – finding creativity and connection (includes demonstration and optional printing session)