Joyce Trotman was born in Georgetown in 1927. In 1955, after working as a primary school teacher, she travelled to England where she obtained a degree in Arts from London University and a Certificate in Education at the University of Durham. On returning to Guyana in 1958 she was appointed a Senior Lecturer in English at the Government Training College and went on to become a Research Fellow for the University of Guyana. In 1972 she moved to England where she taught at the Scott Lidgett Boys’ Comprehensive School and became Head of the Remedial Department. She obtained a M. Litt (Linguistics) from the University of Lancaster and was called to the Bar in 1984 on completion of part-time studies in law. Joyce, author of The Proverbs of Guyana Explained, will be sharing her knowledge of Guyanese folk songs as well as leading a discussion on Guyanese proverbs.
Sandra Agard has been a Professional Storyteller, Writer, Cultural Historian and Literary Consultant for over forty years in a variety of local venues as well as international settings. These include libraries, schools, universities, theatres, museums, art galleries, literary festivals, prisons and in the community. Born in Hackney to Guyanese parents, her storytelling, cultural and literary background is steeped within the African and African-Caribbean oral traditions and characterised by a Black British perspective. Sandra has several published works namely Talking Blues, Watchers and Seekers, Times Like These, and Unheard Voices. Her plays have been performed in several prominent fringe theatres which include collaborations with Keith Waithe and the Talawa Theatre Company. She is currently a Workshop Programme Leader for Schools and the Community at the Ministry for Stories in Hackney.
