Tina’s teaching career took an unlikely start when Tina joined the University of Surrey to read Electronics and Electrical Engineering.  

Half way through her (first) degree, Tina decided to switch from studying for a Batchelor of Science to a Batchelor of Education degree.  This decision was greatly influenced by relatives who were teaching in Hong Kong at the time.

Thus commenced a lengthy career as a teacher to all ages, including adults, for over 30 years.

Did you know that as a student, Tina had several part time jobs including as a croupier, a cocktail waitress and also a stint working as a waitress for Wimpy!

Not satisfied with one degree, Tina went on to complete another (for which Tina received a First) when she took a few years away from her career to raise a young family.  Most parents on maternity leave would have their hands full with their newborn – not Tina, for this is exactly when she embarked on her second degree, with the Open University.

Many will be aware that Tina is petite, which she has often found a challenge working in a school where many buildings were built during the Victorian era and therefore have high ceilings.

It is well known that Tina was unable to reach the top of the board and always had a stool close by!  Tina recalled a particular memory when, on one occasion when she was due to teach an Upper Sixth Further Maths class, she arrived in the classroom where a message was displayed on the board stating “Hoody cant reach”…... the pupils had moved the board pens out of Tina’s reach and to add insult to injury, had placed Tina’s most coveted stool on top of a piece of furniture, well out of her reach!       

It was all in jest and there was much laughter!

Young House has been home to many over the years and the Hood family’s beloved Labrador Pi, has been a huge part of the extended family.

Tina has loved the family atmosphere that pervades Young House and this is perhaps one of the things Tina will miss most.  She will not however miss working on Saturdays!

Tina is looking forward to a more relaxed pace of life, setting into their new home, exploring the countryside with Pi and enjoying the garden (maintained by Steve!).  Tina has parents and family in Hong Kong and is now looking forward to spending more time with the family both in Hong Kong and the UK.  Once Steve retires in a few years, they plan to travel further afield too.

We thank Tina for her dedicated service over the last 12 years and wish Tina every happiness as she embarks on her next chapter.