Venturer profile: Team Boyd

Fiona and Isla Boyd

I am the wrong side of fifty, but still have the enthusiasm of a 16 yr old in most things. I love walking in the peaks or my native Scotland, and love taking my children along too. I am a qualified social worker and teacher, but lust after having time to follow my passion – which is medieval horticulture and the rise of welfare in post industrial Europe.

I am at present researching a book relating to Nottingham from the English Civil War to the Second World War, welfare provision – especially state and charity roles. Apart from that I belong to a community allotment and love home cooking, and I am sure I will work out life when I grow up!

The main reason for joining the DigVenturers is my beautiful daughter Isla, who is 16, and is not sure whether she wants to study history, English or archaeology at Uni. Mucky hands at Flag Fen, I am convinced, will guide her passion!

Isla is at a juncture in her life where there are so many choices. She loves history, and writing about it. She is thinking of possibly writing for a career in journalism, but also loves ancient history. A recent visit to the Pict stones at the National Museum of Scotland was a great delight to her.

The dig is a birthday present, and she hopes this will help her to take some decisions. Isla has been involved in wildlife conservation for around 8 years and won Nottingham’s Green Guardian of the year competition in 2009. She currently works part time in a local cat sanctuary, but spends most of her time studying when not cycling or at Zumba classes!