David Bennett began his teaching career in 1970 as an Art teacher, then switched to English, later became a librarian and then Head of English in a Nottinghamshire Secondary school. He retired in 2003 as Senior teacher in the same school. It wasn't long before he was running his own catering business, teaching regularly in a Special Needs school, reviewing children's books for a national magazine and leading courses for the TRA. David has just embarked on a barn conversion in Wales and for the last 15 years he has opened his Derbyshire garden for The National Garden Scheme.
	Sharon Bolus taught for 30 years in secondary schools in the Black Country. She went from Head of Department to Head of Upper School then to Pastoral coordinator before becoming a member of the Senior Management Team with responsibility for Pastoral Care and The Pastoral Curriculum. Sharon now lives in Coventry and since retiring enjoys playing golf, reading, walking, travelling, amateur dramatics and watching Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C.
	Julie Cutts retired 5 years ago after 40 years in teaching, the last 19 as Headteacher of a Dudley Grant Maintained secondary school which became a specialist Maths and Computing College. As part of their plan Julie and her husband built a house for their retirement. Since retirement from teaching Julie has worked as a Threshold Assessor, External Adviser to Appointed Governors, assessor of Overseas Trained Teachers and as a course leader for TRA. During retirement Julie has taken up horse riding (again), and falling off (again and again) enjoys cycling, travelling, cruising and playing the piano. She is also a keen member of the local walking club. Julie enjoys spending time with friends and family, especially with her grandchildren.
	Alan Farnish formally retired in July 2001 after 40 years of continuous service in education including overseas appointments as Principal Education Officer for the Government of Kenya and Grand Cayman. Since retiring he has formed his own Education Consultancy Service providing project support for LEAs; running two day courses for teachers and other professionals seeking overseas appointments and is active as a Course Leader for the TRA. He has also written articles about teacher retirement in The Times Educational Supplement. Alan is married to Jane, also a teacher. Alan's hobbies include distance running, world travel and cruising.
	Paul Dean has a history of presenting seminars within the education sector, with over 20 years experience as a consultant on the Teachers' Pension Scheme. He has presented regularly for the Department of Work and Pensions, the Cabinet Office, The Department of Constitutional Affairs, the Ministry of Justice, the Home Office and numerous Local Authorities and Pre-Retirement Councils. Paul is married with two adult children and runs a copywriting and marketing business as well as working as Education Liaison Officer for the Teachers' Retirement Agency.
	Ben Thompson was a secondary headteacher in two schools for 19 years up to December 1999. Since then, he has worked as an educational consultant, primarily supporting headtachers and leadership teams. He also carries out a range of NPQH work. Ben trained as an OFSTED inspector but no longer carries out inspections. He has been part of the evaluation of NRwS for the DCSF and is currently working on headteacher recruitment problems in Welsh schools. In amongst these commitments and presenting at the TRA courses, he preserves time for his family, amateur theatrical work, golf, ski-ing, swimming, keeping fit and his house in southern Spain.
	Peter Lewin spent his career teaching sciences and was head of faculty in a variety of schools, until he retired in 2008 as Deputy Head of an Essex High School. During his time in schools, Peter was involved with the development of different approaches to learning for gifted and talented students. Following retirement and unable to stay away from schools, he immediately accepted a part-time post teaching A level Psychology. More recently, Peter has become involved as a volunteer with an international charity. He is also looking forward to spending more time with his grandchildren, something he considers to be the most important ‘perk’ of being retired.