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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Jenny Murphy, Volunteer Coordinator 

Responsible for facilitating Volunteering at ECH, Jenny is passionate about bringing people together through Heritage. She's designed and overseen volunteer programmes in a number of charities, implementing policies and procedures and developing new strands of volunteering. She is passionate about getting people stuck in recording and learning about their own heritage and the communities around them. Outside of work, Jenny is a keen photographer and D-I-Y enthusiast, and regularly spends time trying to improve her skill at both hobbies! 

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Callum CC, Project Coordinator 

Working with schools, families, community groups, and more, Callum is frontline in bringing ECH's archive to the public. As a historian with a marked interest in space and place, it is important to him that we as Londoners record and own our stories, and retain control over how they are told. In this role, Callum is keen not only to share our histories, but to create historians with the skills and confidence to conduct research and produce knowledge. In his spare time, he enjoys riding bikes, exploring the city (and the world, one trip at a time!), and listening to live music.

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Aiden Chan, Project Archivist

Aiden is an archivist that has a strong passion for oral history, queer history and community archiving. Working with members of the community, they are responsible for the digital preservation and access of the oral histories and photographs of the Hidden-History Archive. They are keen to support users, community members and researchers in actively engaging with memories and histories captured by the archive. Outside of work, they enjoy visiting museums and galleries, photography, and are also a piano/keyboard player! 

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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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Sophie Seeyave, Project Trainee

Sophie is excited to be working with ECH as a Project Trainee, after having recently completed her studies in design history, history and politics. Previously, she has volunteered and worked in the arts and heritage sector, helping with research, events, development and co-curation. Sophie is passionate about the ways that we as people are connected across time and space, and how communities can be inspired and empowered through heritage. She enjoys cooking, reading and listening to music.

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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.