My name is Debbie Bestwick I was born in Stoke-On-Trent (Burslem to be exact) in 1969, I have one brother who is younger than me.
My first school was Middleport Infants school where I stayed until I was five after which we moved to Brindley Ford where I attended Brindley Ford Primary school and then Chell High school. My memories of school are………THE BEST TIME EVER! Afterwards I went to Stoke-On-Trent college (Cauldon as it was called then) to study Hairdressing as a day release student as I was an apprentice in a local hairdressers. After 14 years of hairdressing I decided on a career change and went into education. I worked at Packmoor primary school for 12 years and am now a Higher level teaching assistant at a primary school in Newcastle. During this time I have studied lots of different courses and last year graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University with a BA hons degree.
On a personal level I have been married for 21 years and have two boys who both attend Maryhill High school (in sixth form and in year8). The reason I became a governor started as an aspiration but was never brave enough to take the plunge! After endless discussions Liam (my eldest son) decided to make the decision for me by speaking to Dr Jones about it and the rest is history! As a governor I have thoroughly enjoyed learning about how Maryhill (and High schools) operate and how the staff strive to ensure that the children who attend flourish. I have made many new friends who are governors and staff and I thoroughly enjoy the meetings where laughter and beverages are always on the agenda.
