Professor Gervase Phinn

Former Schools Inspector

Gervase Phinn is a former Schools Inspector for the Yorkshire Dales who has been dubbed the 'James Herriot of schools'. He is now a freelance lecturer, broadcaster and writer, a consultant for the Open University, after dinner speaker and an exceptionally witty and charismatic storyteller. His stories reflect the refreshing honesty of children! In 2004 Gervase was honoured to receive The Speaker of the Year Award from the Association of Speakers' Clubs.

Gervase is probably best known for his best-selling autobiographical novels: The Other Side of the Dale, Over Hill and Dale and Head Over Heels in the Dales (a number one best seller) and Up and Down in the Dales. He has made numerous television and radio appearances including Midweek (Radio 4), You and Yours (Radio 4), Open House with Gloria Hunniford (ITV), Today (Radio 4), Breakfast Television (BBC1), The Heaven and Earth Show (BBC 2), Quote-Unquote (Radio 4), Book of the Week (Radio 4) and A Good Read (Radio 4).