Abbie Wilford (nee George) 87-94 C

In 1997 I gained a 2:1 in Visual Arts with History from what is now The University of Gloucestershire. Following a year out earning pennies and doing to some voluntary care work; I completed a PGCE in Art (Secondary) at the University of Wales Institute in Cardiff.

I then taught for two years in a large and challenging school in Clacton-on-Sea, before finally ending up in the same county as John and teaching for six years in another 'interesting' school (it wasn't a grammar!) in Rochester, Kent.

After nearly 10 years together, John and I married in 2003. Our first son, Archie arrived in 2005 and in 2007, we relocated to Portishead where I have stayed at home to raise our family.  Since this move, our brood has expanded with the arrival of Gwen in 2008 and Freddie in 2013.

When I find the time, I still enjoy being arty and crafty; however, the life changing event of the unexpected loss of our third child, Danny, at a day old in 2012 (he was born with an undiagnosed heart condition) may well mean that when I do re-enter the world of paid work, it may go in a slightly different direction from teaching...


John Wilford 87-94 C
On release from WB, I had no idea of what I wanted to do when I grew up, so I went to university, hopeful of it becoming clear. Graduating with a 2:1 in History from Swansea University, and one appearance for the Welsh Students at Rugby League, I managed to delay the inevitable and got on a postgrad course at the University of Gloucestershire studying Sports Development.

Armed with my MA, I eventually entered the real world in 1999, as a Sports Development Officer in the Medway towns. Over the next eight years, I worked in community and school sport for authorities throughout Kent, using sport to have significant impact on people and their communities.

 also went back to rugby union (the tackling was a bit softer) and got involved in coaching with the Kent development squads for a few years. I consider myself lucky to have received grounding in sport at school which so many don't.  I'm even luckier to have met my wife there too!  

When the call of the West Country proved too strong, I moved in 2007 to the University of Bristol, to work as their Sports Development Manager. Following a brief sojourn in county cricket,

I returned to the university in 2012, promoting healthy living. I'm temporarily retired from rugby but our eldest’s love of soccer has seen me involved in coaching again, although in the wrong sport!

Mike Tucker will never talk to me again.