CONTRIBUTORS
Hannah Tapping
With a BA Hons in English Literature and a Postgraduate Certificate in Journalism, Hannah has over 20 years’ experience as a journalist, editor and features writer working with many of the UK’s top media companies including Time Inc. UK, News International and Telegraph Media Group. Hannah now lives and works in Cornwall, loving nothing more than spending time on or in the water, with her family or running the coastal paths.
Mercedes Smith
Mercedes is a graduate of University College Falmouth and has a BA Hons in Contemporary Visual Arts and a Masters in 20th Century Art Histories and Theories. She previously worked in Communications at Tate St Ives, and since 2010 has been a full time Arts writer with a passion for championing the very best in painting, sculpture, ceramics, contemporary craft and fine art.
Ysy Lees
Ysy is a graduate of Falmouth University, obtaining a First Class BA (hons) English degree in 2021 and later a Master’s degree in Professional Writing. She has lived in Porthleven her whole life, spending her years growing up by the Cornish coast and continues to enjoy spending time in and by the sea. Outside of reading and writing, Ysy can be found in the gym or playing in the local brass band.
Tia Tamblyn
Tia is inspired by sustainable living and this infuses her cooking, writing, working as a massage therapist and running courses at her home Botelet Farm in South East Cornwall. The words she shares centre around connecting with people’s stories and they insights they can offer us regarding how we create more sustainable lifestyles.
Tia’s early career was in the charity sector, she then worked as a Sociology and World Development Lecturer before re-training in bodywork and running courses alongside writing, cooking and helping to run the family farm.
When not on the farm Tia can be found running through the lanes, or swimming in quiet coves with her husband and three young children.
Rebecca Hawkey
Rebecca graduated with a degree in Graphic Design Communications from Falmouth University in 2018. Skipping her graduation in favour of a flight to Australia she spent almost four years working in advertising, design and virtual reality sectors whilst travelling, before moving back to her home in south Cornwall in 2021. She now works as Marketing Executive for Leven Media Group and is a regular DRIFT contributor. When she isn't bustling around the office, you can find her behind the lens of her camera capturing the surf at her local breaks, reading any book she can get her hands on, or planning her next adventure.
Lowenna Merritt
Lowenna is a recent graduate from the University of Exeter with a 1st class BA Hons in English. Throughout her studies she has created content for University publications and is continuing to pursue her passion in editorial writing. Currently living in Newquay, her hobbies include painting, sea swimming and reading. With a love for anything creative, she also runs a small business selling handmade art and jewellery.
Rosie Cattrell
Rosie graduated from the University of Exeter with a BA Hons in English Literature, spending her second year studying abroad in Canada. Since returning to Cornwall, Rosie spends a lot of her time wild swimming in local waters year-round and practising archery as a member of the Lizard Peninsula Bowmen. Joining Leven Media Group in 2021 as a Copywriter, advancing to Content Manager soon after, she now lives in her home-town in south Cornwall with her record player and a small library’s worth of books, and spends her days writing by sea.
Lucy Studley
Lucy studied History of Art at York University, where she received a 1st Class BA Hons degree before moving to Cornwall in 2009. She worked as a Restaurant Manager for several years and also for a wine merchant, before becoming a freelance writer specialising in food and drink as well as the arts. Lucy lives in Falmouth with her husband Todd – a chef and cider maker – and their two young children.
Dan Warden
With a BA Hons in English Literature, Dan has been with Leven Media Group since 2016 and now serves as Head of Production. Spending much of his spare time fishing in the countryside and exploring the coastline, Dan lives happily with his wife and little boy in west Cornwall.
Martin Holman
After studying at Bristol and London universities, Martin worked at leading museums such as the Whitechapel Art Gallery before becoming a writer specialising in modern and contemporary art. He has published regularly for 40 years, including several books about British artists, and has contributed to numerous exhibition catalogues and magazines, especially in the UK and Italy. Martin first visited west Cornwall in 1982 to research its art history, returned often and is now a permanent resident.
Chris Tuff
Chris has lived on the Lizard Peninsula in Cornwall for eighteen years and studied Photography and film at Goldsmiths College and Professional Writing at Falmouth University. His work as a producer and director, has received numerous international awards at festivals around the world, including the New York Film and Television Festival and US Film Festival. Chris returned to his photographic roots five years ago. In that time his work has been exhibited, published and sold to collectors around the world.
Bethany Allen
With a BA Hons degree in English Literature, Bethany is a professional copywriter and editor. She has experience creating content for a variety of different businesses and has honed the skill of capturing a brand's story and portraying it to their target audience. Her speciality lies in writing articles for publication, blog posts and website copy and her passion revolves around the outdoor adventure industry. Leading her to launch an exciting new project promoting wild swimming in Cornwall and its many benefits.
Lottie Lewis
Lottie is a creative content and copywriter from Cornwall. She prides herself on building meaningful relationships with her clients, and has been running a successful freelance writing business for the past four years. Prior to being self-employed, Lottie worked with a creative marketing agency, refining her copywriting, account management and project management skills. You can find Lottie’s work published both in print and online, and she’s always open to new projects and collaborations.
Fiona McGowan
Previously a feature writer and chief sub editor for lifestyle magazines, including Wallpaper, The Face, Elle Deco, Country Homes & Interiors, John Lewis, Fiona also spent four years as Features Editor at Manor magazine in Devon and Cornwall. Passionate about adventure travel and rock climbing, Fiona spent many years exploring the further reaches of the planet, working as a teacher and writing for Asian newspapers before moving to West Cornwall with her young family.
Lewis Jefferies
Lewis is an award-winning photographer and camera operator based in Falmouth, Cornwall, currently studying Marine and Natural History Photography at Falmouth University. An advocate for nature and conservation, he is equally passionate about life above and below the water. A broad portfolio spans from underwater, nature and surfing to landscapes, time-lapse, aerial/drone and commercial photography and video. He is currently working on both skills and video commissions, writes articles about photography and nature conservation and volunteers for the National Trust in his spare time.
Colin Bradbury
In a previous life, Colin worked as an investment manager and financial analyst for banks in London and Hong Kong. He escaped from all that a couple of decades ago to become a freelance writer and photographer, based in St Agnes, Cornwall. He writes on a variety of subjects, including business, lifestyle and sport for magazines, newspapers and commercial clients.
Colin is also a member of the Response Team at international disaster relief agency ShelterBox, delivering aid in natural disaster and conflict affected areas.
Join our team
We have an exceptional and loyal team here at Leven Media Group, the producers of DRIFT, but as a fast growth business we're always interested in talking to outstanding individuals. If you're a superstar of extraordinary talent then we would love to hear form you.
Call Ben Pratchett on 01326 574842 or email ben.pratchett@enginehousemedia.co.uk