Testimonials

“Louise is a natural comic. Timing abounds and a wicked sensibility keeps you on your toes. She is ‘0-60 in Six Verses’ and every one of them will have you laughing out loud!” – Jason Bradbury, Channel 5 

“I first came into contact with Louise Ashley through a creative industries grant scheme I was running. Ever since my first conversation with Louise, I realised that she was a very special person indeed. With a heart bigger than the world, more energy than nuclear fusion and a gift for performing poetry that could make even the most competitive poet sit back, relax and enjoy, Louise is an inspiration wrapped in human form.” David Brown - Arts and Creative Industries Development Officer

“Louise has the ability to empower young people to see themselves as poets and individuals. Through her humour, insightfulness and huge amounts of positive energy she helps young people become confident in expressing their own voice. Not only does this have a huge effect on an individual level but in such a short space of time Louise seems to create an atmosphere where speaking and listening to each other gets embraced and cherished by the whole class.” artizen  ‘enhancing lives through creativity and digital technologies’  

“Louise's presence in the school has been like a breath of fresh, creative air.  Pupils across the secondary age range have immediately warmed to her vibrant presence, lively and enthusiastic manner and inspiring and thought-provoking workshops.  The work that she has coaxed out of them has been excellent and it has been particularly rewarding to have a performer who can work with pupils on this aspect of their work.  The performances that Louise has put together with our pupils have brought out talents that were previously unsuspected and her persuasive, encouraging manner has given them the confidence to read their work publicly both in school and outside.  A thoroughly beneficial experience for all concerned.” - Steve Willshaw – Head Of English, William Farr, Lincs

"Louise Ashley is a pleasure to work with, she is highly motivated, a team player, flexible and enthusiastic. On top of this children and adults respond very well to her warmth and good humour. I strongly recommend using her in creative projects at all levels." - Courtney Link, ABC Arts

“Louise has been a great asset to the Skills for Independent Living section here at Sutton Centre. Louise joined us as a tutor, delivering courses to unique learners who are categorized as having physical disabilities and learning difficulties. Louise is an enthusiastic tutor, who delivers interesting, stimulating and fun lessons. Louise has the natural ability to connect with the learners on an individual basis, encouraging and empowering them in a way that is incredibly effective as well as deeply moving. Learners love Louise, and that speaks volumes!” Liz Barrett - Sutton Centre College

Louise made our first 'Ladies Evening' go with such a swing, that we've had to have her back on more than one occasion. She sees the hum-drum of life with a magic twist that will give you tummy ache for days. Prepare to laugh until it hurts!"  Claire Allison - Ravenshead C of E Primary School

“I first met Louise Ashley when I carried out a formal assessment of her teaching of a Creative Writing class for adults which was extremely good. I subsequently engaged Louise to write a piece of poetry to reflect some of the work our team undertakes, which she did, the piece was published in a national publication about adult learning. Louise was also engaged to undertake some training with our team about working creatively, which was well received by all present.  I have also been fortunate to see Louise perform on a couple of occasions where she has held the audience with her humorous and insightful delivery." Alan Clark – Service Development Manager, Adult & Community Learning Service

“Louise led a course of workshops for Central Notts MIND Women’s Group of which I was facilitator. Louise’s effervescent and bubbly personality combined with her obvious passion and enthusiasm was passed onto the group and they were extremely well motivated. The class had never written prior to this. Therefore, the ladies were surprised and very delighted by their achievements. The workshops were interesting, fun and met all the intended objectives.” Pam Cooper – Central Notts MIND 

“I saw Louise perform at the Albert Hall, Nottingham for ‘Poets in the Pink’ in support of Cancer Research UK. Louise’s poetry acquainted us with an insight into every aspect of a woman’s life and loves. I really enjoyed her poetry and related to the philosophy of her poems, which evoked many different emotions." Councillor Christine Wombwell 

“Louise Ashley may float through her poems with the elegance and charm of a butterfly, but beware of the sting in the tale. She has a cutting edge that can bring tears to the eyes of the unsuspecting male.  This is poetry with punch, delivered with style that can make you wince as well as smile. Check out this lady – she’s a knockout!” Ian Collinson – Poetry Affairs Correspondent, County Lit

“Louise was professional, patient and good-humoured. The resultant poem we felt was most impressive, reflecting great imagination and teamwork. I feel it was particularly pleasing to hear young people speaking positively about the city of Nottingham and acknowledging the many varied aspects, which have contributed to Nottingham (truly Alive and Kicking!) The finished piece on public display on the Poem Wall in Starbucks Coffee Company, Clumber St, Nottm for all to view." Vivienne Ward - Curriculum Leader in English

“Louise worked with several literacy groups and students of varying abilities. I personally witnessed the pleasure students gained and Louise’s ability to stimulate ideas and encourage imaginative expression and thoughts and feelings. Learners benefited both in growth and confidence and the development of expressive Language.” Mel Cope, Skills for Life Senior Tutor – Portland College, Mansfield 

"Louise worked with all members of our school team of teachers and students (and some of the parents) during the summer term on a well-planned, creative, skills based project. Because of her friendly and vivacious personality, she very quickly built up excellent and supportive relationships with staff and children.  Her delivery of content and style of motivation, along with a great sense of humour, high expectations and her ability to celebrate all outcomes quickly made her a respected and much appreciated enabler. Her presentation style - exciting, motivating but calm and controlled, enable all pupils to contribute, and even the most challenging responded positively to her inputs. Louise was invited to lead staff team building INSET events, which have provided valuable practical personal developmental experiences for staff who can find it difficult to find time to converse, never mind to express themselves through performing arts and dialogue. She has made friends at the school, particularly through her supportive and friendly nature and her intrinsic ability to ‘connect’ at many different levels with different people". Alison Partlow – Head Teacher

“Louise’s relaxed style and zany sense of humour immediately put the students at ease. The workshops were professional, fun and totally accessible. Louise took the class on a journey of self-discovery and they never stopped talking about it for weeks”. Judith Graves – Teacher