Val has lived in Southampton since 1985 and worked at Southampton City Council for 28 years. She has a Master’s degree in Art History from the Open University. One of Val’s interests is medieval architecture and she has conducted extensive research throughout the West Country into parish church architecture.
Since retirement, Val has devoted more time to researching local history and events in the Southampton area, with a focus both on medieval history and the 19th and 20th century schemes for slum clearance in Southampton. Val is active in the local Old Town Community Forum and is a co-editor for the Forum’s website, regularly contributing articles on heritage sites within the Old Town.
Val is a volunteer with the City Council’s Cultural Services team, conducting inspections of the city’s medieval vaults and providing assistance on guided tours in Southampton. She also volunteers at various heritage sites within the Old Town during Southampton’s Heritage Open Days.
