Dr David Rose – has known and supported Heartstone since its foundation in 1990 and its precursor, Natya-Padam, in the latter half of the 1980’s as a small arts/cultural organisation in London. He held a London B.D when he first started teaching Religious Education in ILEA secondary schools in 1971. He covered a range of different Faith traditions with the purpose of bringing an inclusive approach rather than one that ignored and excluded pupils for whom their faith, culture and personal identity were so different. 10 years later, he became linked with The Heartstone Odyssey (THSO) whilst working as Advisory Teacher for the ILEA assisting the implementation of its multi-faith RE syllabus for inner London schools in 1984. The approach adopted used a range of foci that permitted pupil reaction and response that was not prescriptive and limiting on the individual. The story medium, the Heartsone Odyssey with Chandra as the central figure, was essentially aimed at the primary/early secondary stage; with personal expression encouraged via questioning, discussion, performance, art and positive involvement in selected projects. The value of this multi-disciplinary approach became increasingly attractive to those practising teachers doing INSET.
By 1986 he was working at the Roehampton Institute of HE (one of the largest ITE Institutions in the UK at that stage) where he was in charge of the ITE degree course for Primary Education and believed strongly that alongside the developing National Curriculum at the time that students should be aware of the potential of combining inclusively a vital area of concern that the individual pupil might find difficult to articulate and express. He helped to bring the THSO project to Roehampton University (as it became) which was received positively by trainee teachers, both undergraduate and postgraduate.
His Doctoral Studies in the 1990’s, concentrated on the social & cultural aspects of Religious Education legislation and its perception and impact on those involved within a multi-cultural society. He has been a member of the SHAP Working Party on world religions in Education for more than 20 years, working to encourage both inter-faith as well as mutual understanding of diversity and integration within society both locally and nationally. He was a member of the Wandsworth SACRE for 18 years as well as Vice-Chair of Governors at a local primary school.
John Niblock – served as a constable with Merseyside Police for just over 26 years. Most of his service was spent in Liverpool South area and his last six years worked as a dedicated school liaison officer in Liverpool south with responsibility for 32 schools. He worked with primary and secondary school pupils right up to upper sixth year. Based in the cop shop on Granby Street in the middle of Toxteth, John worked in inner city schools in some of the most disadvantaged areas and also the private, grammar, church schools in his area. He took the lead for the Heartstone project when it was first instroduced to the City in 2000. This lead to him being invited to visit numerous parts of England introducing Heartstone to schools, community groups, other police forces and education authorities with the support of Merseyside Police. John retired from the police in August 2003 but continues to work with Heartstone to provide advice and training.
Nina Rahel – has supported Heartstone projects since its earliest days, Equality and Diversity Officer for University of the Arts London, formerly Lead Officer for the Project to build bridges with and between faith communities for Camden Council. Nina began this work in September 2001, days before the terrorist attacks of 9/11. Nina rose to the challenges of this context with local council, faith and community leaders and contributed to more cohesive and engaged communities in Camden. Nina has lifelong experience in initiating and running projects tackling racism and all forms of discrimination with community groups, local government and currently in higher education.
Nila Joshi – a supporter of Heartstone for over 16 years, Nila is well known and highly regarded in Scotland for her interfaith work. She has supported all major Heartstone exhibition events being ‘front of house’ manager. She has expert knowledge on running Heartstone events whether large-scale or small, with schools and community groups and how to incorporate an interfaith angle, .
Katie Heron – former secondary school teacher in Preston part of the initial DFE 2000 project, commended for her role which led to her school being named as a ‘model’ project for Heartstone and providing content for the first generation of the Heartstone schools pack. She successfully initiated new projects in the areas she moved to and has since been involved in providing training and input for all Heartstone projects;
Karen Baldry – former primary school teacher, part of the initial DFE 2000 project, commended for her role in the project and innovative creative concepts using the Heartstone Odyssey, subsequently undertaking training sessions for Heartstone with primary schools, secondary schools and community groups across the UK. She also provided content for the first generation of the Heartstone schools pack;
Paul Britner – primary school teacher in Oldham, Paul started his first Story Circle in 2015/16 and was invited to present his outstanding results at the House of Commons event in 2016. His work with the children was exemplary and he continues to provide an excellent model for all new Story Circles taking shape across the UK.