Michelle & James Phillips - A Family Journey from Woodhouse Grove to Life Beyond

In this lively episode, we’re joined by Michelle Phillips (86-88), a former sixth-form boarder and her brother James Phillips (84-93), a weekly boarder at Brontë House who later became a full-time boarder at The Grove.

Both siblings share fond memories of their time at Woodhouse Grove - Michelle’s favourite teachers were Dr Wilson, Heather Senior and Roger Howard, while James remembers David Wood and Keith Jones as key influences during his school days.

Michelle Phillips left school in 1988 and began her career in healthcare, starting with nursing at the Royal Free Hospital in London. She later became the school nurse at Rydal School and in 1997, founded Carelink Homecare Services Ltd, a domiciliary care agency providing support for older people living with dementia and end-of-life care. Today, her company employs 150 staff and Michelle’s passion for healthcare continues to shine. In addition to her professional career, Michelle was appointed a School Governor in August 2022, where she brings her leadership and healthcare experience to benefit the school community.

James Phillips carved out a unique career path, spending a decade working for Michael Eavis at Worthy Farm, home to the world-famous Glastonbury Festival. James is now the proud owner of six bars at the festival, which has made him an integral part of the event's success. In 2006, James co-founded the Old Grovians Rugby Team with John Hinchcliffe and he remains an active supporter of the Grove community. Outside of his festival work, James enjoys rugby, golf and long walks with his dog, Winnie, in the stunning Yorkshire countryside. His connection to Woodhouse Grove continues, with his son Charles now attending the school.

Michelle lives in the Yorkshire Dales with her husband, Greg, their 22-year-old son, Harri, and a lively menagerie of animals. From her business and governance roles to her bustling family life, Michelle embodies a balance of energy, dedication and connection to both her community and the natural world.

Join us as Michelle and James share their fascinating journeys, from their days at Woodhouse Grove to their diverse careers and family life today. This episode is full of inspiring stories and insights you won’t want to miss!

Your Host: Eve Corry, Development Officer at Woodhouse Grove (st24-)

Studio Technician: Jay Sunley at Woodhouse Grove (st23-)

Music: Paul Corry

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