Stephen trained as a teacher in Leeds, specialising in drama, speech and movement. After qualifying, he undertook a programme of private study with Eliner Rutherford, gaining specialist diplomas in teaching and performance of all aspects of speech and drama. As well as being responsible for drama in the schools in which he worked, he also taught privately, entering pupils of all ages for grade and diploma examinations. He was for many years an examiner for the English Speaking Board and The Poetry Society and adjudicated at many festivals. At present he is the headteacher of a primary school in Derbyshire.

A perennial student, Stephen is working on a Doctorate in Education at the University of Nottingham. When he retires in July 2007, he hopes to do a lot of speech and drama work, visit the theatre and opera house more often, write up his doctorate and teach his young grandson to swim.

Ian Wilson has a lifelong interest in drama as a performer, a director and a spectator. He entered festivals for the first time many years ago as part of the training for his LRAM acting diploma. For several years he has adjudicated at festivals both in Northern England and Northern Ireland. He taught drama at the Bradford & Ilkley Community College and is now a lecturer in communications studies there. Ian plays an active part in the life of amateur theatre with Ilkley Players and believes that the festival movement encourages young people to challenge their skills against others, builds their self confidence and self reliance, and that winning every performance is not important.