Before embarking on my career as Guide and Lecturer, I worked as an information professional in the financial services industry for over 25 years being recognised at industry level with the Information Professional of the Year award in 2006. I was then thrilled when my professional organisation, SLA, awarded me the Membership Achievement Award in 2008.
When not working or guiding I am very much involved with my local independent cinema, The Phoenix, East Finchley, where I was a Trustee for over 20 years. My first book, a guide to, Jewish London, was published in 2012 and was swiftly reprinted five times and is now on its THIRD edition. My second book Whitechapel in 50 Buildings was published in September 2016 followed by Secret Whitechapel in 2017, Women's London in 2018 and Whitechapel Doors in 2019.
Since 2009 I have been very lucky to be a guest lecturer on cruise ships.
My degree in Politics and Modern History and love of research has always been linked to social history in particular and being a Londoner born and bred, this led me to train as a guide, firstly as a City of London Guide, then as a Clerkenwell & Islington Guide and in 2004 I gained the Blue Badge for London, winning the prize for Best Written Paper. In 2005, a colleague and I launched Go East London to encourage people to venture east of the City and subsequently I rebranded as Go London Tours to include the areas elsewhere in London where I also lead tours.
The tours and talks (Virtual Tours) cover a range of topics but often focus on the 'human stories behind the buildings'. That is where my passion for London lies.
If I am not guiding or in the cinema it is likely that I will either be making a cake or searching for London's best chocolate brownie.
Sometimes you can find me on the television or in the media. I have been spotted in Heir Hunters, Danish national TV news and in Time Out where I was profiled in Quit Your Job and become a ….. Tour Guide! In London you will always recognise me as I carry a big fluffy flower.
My lovely client feedback - what visitors to the tours have been kind enough to say
"..... and the guide on our bus (Rachel) was absolutely first class" (London 2012 tour for Royal Society of Arts)
“Rachel is a superb speaker, knowledgeable, entertaining and very engaging” (KKW evening event)
"First rate - good presence, clear and attractive voice, thorough knowledge of subject and put over with enthusiasm" (Friends of the V&A)
“Thanks for your humour and enthusiasm and fabulous London expertise” (Events Company)
“Our guide was excellent” (SERTUC)
"Clear voice, patient and obvious understanding for those who may have been a little slower - never never missed a thing!" (Friends of the V&A)
"...you were fab!!!!!! "(Women's Library tour)
"It was extremely interesting, the guide, Rachel was superb" (Jewish East End, private tour)
