Judith Garfield MBE, Executive Director

With ECH since 1998, Judith is responsible for the organisation's core work programme. Judith has trained over 60 community groups in oral history and is currently delivering an oral history "apprenticeship", an NVQ accredited qualification unique to the UK. Previous to joining ECH, Judith was a set designer and stage manager at Theatre Royal Stratford East, working with Mike Leigh. She was awarded an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours list 2012 for her work and her commitment to Community Heritage.

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Kaaren Cruse, Deputy Director

Focusing on strategic planning for the future of ECH, Kaaren has many years' experience of organisational development and service transformation, as well as community capacity, co-production, project and change management for both the non-profit and public sectors. In addition, she has worked in information and policy, as well as in the roles of research fellow, writer, and librarian. Kaaren is passionate about community engagement and empowerment. She enjoys visiting art galleries, playing table tennis and walking on the beach.

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James Moffatt, Archivist 

With extensive experience as a researcher, James is excited to join ECH as an archivist and work on its upcoming projects. Growing up in rural Devon, James developed a strong connection with the concept of community cohesion and diaspora in a modernising world, and has worked with a number of heritage organisations that reflect this. James read Czech at Masaryk University, and History at Cardiff University, where he developed his fascination in archival research. Outside of work, James is a keen rower, painter and likes to read Modern European literature.

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Georgia Dimdore-Miles, Project Trainee

Joining ECH as a Project Trainee, Georgia is excited to get involved across the range of ECH's work, from helping to maintain the archive to delivering oral history interviews, walking tours, exhibitions and workshops.  Having done an MSC at University of Bristol in cultural geography, with a focus on LGBTQ+ histories, spaces and archives, she is interested in improving the access and inclusiveness of collections, whilst telling the untold stories of those who have long been denied access to their unique histories. She has a range of experience using archives and oral histories to run Bristol-based LGBTQ+ community events projects. Outside of work she enjoys live music, DJing, wild swimming, playing and watching football and visiting museums. 

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Nazeema Hamdi, Project Officer 

Joining ESCH from the cultural producer's program Nazeema comes from an excellent background in music journalism and interviewing. Her main activity will be focussing on her passion, music-based research and interviews which she excellently mixes with strong ties within the cultural scene within contemporary London. 

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Sandra Haynes, Reminiscence Sessions Facilitator

Sandra is a former Museum Officer with many years of experience working with the local community of Redbridge in a wide range of roles. Her main role in life now is caring for her parents, but she is also involved with 'Ageless Teenagers', multitasking when required, and supports learning with neurodiverse young people in the Marks Gate area. Sandra loves engaging with and learning from the people around her. She is currently running Eastside's monthly Throwback Friday reminiscence sessions at East Ham Library.