Meet the team
Phil
Phil Goddard is Spartan's "remote" worker, who when not typesetting music for Spartan is striding the cliffs of Southern England. A latent church organist and retired Polytechnic Dean, he has embraced the new technology of the internet like a youngster.
Ian
Ian, from East Kilbride near Glasgow originally, took on our new "I.T. Manager" role in November 2007. He is an experienced Linux administrator with strong 'C' programming and desktop support skills.Ian takes the strain 'a mid-ships' at Strathmashie: as a versatile computing 'All Rounder'. He has been known to take Associated Board piano exams.
Guang graduated in 2010 from the University of St Andrews with a Masters Degree in Information Technology.
Mark
Mark Goddard is managing director of Spartan and runs the new publications and typesetting departments as well as hindering the computer department! Trained as a composer initially, with a decade of experience teaching piano and conducting musical shows, he now enjoys the variety provided by the Spartan job: composing and arranging music interspersed with writing computer programs, debt collecting, shelf erection, beer making, recruiting and mowing, then puppy training and cobble sweeping...
Annette
Annette is an experienced musician who has wanted to live and work in the Highlands of Scotland for many years. She worked in the sheet music department at J. G. Windows in Newcastle for 20 years. Annette came on holiday to Strathmashie in 2003, staying in the Keeper’s Cottage as part of a Spartan Press self catering holiday promotion offer, and now she works here!
Pat
Pat Goddard was a freelance bassoonist and one of the first female musicians to join the RAF Central Band. Now a co-director of Spartan Press, working on editing, proofing, performing rights, review monitoring and contracts (in addition to running the house, organising the three children and pursuing a competitive running career). She also plays the violin.
Tess
Tess Goddard is now 18 years old and is our youngest employee. She has recently been studying with the Open University, as well as helping with orders and print production at Spartan Press. She has had some extraordinary health problems in recent years: See latest.
George
George Goddard (16) was born in Abergavenny during the "Old Brewery House" days, and one day he hopes to play rugby for Wales, although he has not as yet witnessed the sport! His real passion lies in athletics (400m, 200m and 100m, with hurdles and long jump thown in). He runs for Inverness Harriers (under 17s).
Rose
Rose Goddard (12) was born in Inverness just as Spartan relocated to the Highlands. Her passion is ballet has led her to dance with Ballet West near Oban, Scottish Ballet in Glasgow, and currently she is a pupil at the Dance School of Scotland. She is a confirmed 'Gleek'.
Merlin
Merlin (9) the Pyrenean Mountain Dog puppy arrived in April 2003. He won a rosette at Crufts, and has since been given his own dressing room with a star on the door.
Hetty
Heavy Hetty (8) was born in Glastonbury, the daughter of a magnificent St. Bernard called Daisy. She is Merlin's half sister, and has magnificent (if slobery) jowls!
Gael
Gael (9) was born the day Pat completed her first marathon: all very appropriate when considering that this 'working' border collie is destined to be Pat's running companion in the years ahead... (Merlin and Hetty just don't 'do' running!).