Alysha Smith-Bednall
A historian, a musician, and a Canadian citizen, Alysha feels at ease under the vast ceiling of York Minster. Having worked and volunteered there for 4 years, she’s learnt so much about the cathedral, from its vast social history to its incredible architecture and the stories hidden in the stunning medieval stained glass windows.
Alysha finds York the most beautiful place to live in and has always been fascinated by its history. She came here 8 years ago to do her Masters at the University of York. Researching the social attitudes towards immigrants in 16th century England, one of the most significant things she learnt was that there were some notable black individuals who were highly respected during that time. "It was incredible to see ... that the racism that existed for many years during the slave trade and onwards wasn't necessarily around during Tudor England".
After graduation Alysha returned to Canada for a few years where she worked in Canadian arts and heritage, but she felt like a great piece of her life was missing, so she decided to come back to England. "I missed everything: the history, the people, the lifestyle. When I returned to York, it felt like coming home", she says. From Canada she brought her favourite can of hot chocolate to enjoy at her new address. "When I make myself a cup, I feel so comfortable and at peace. It reminds me of my family".
Alysha is a person of energy and will. While still at York Minster as a volunteer, she now works as a manager at a small charity and is a freelance music practitioner working with adults with additional needs. "I have learnt so much during these music sessions, especially when I get to see wonderfully expressive breakthroughs from my participants. Every session brings so much joy and I think music is something everyone needs in their daily lives.” That thought led Alysha to establish 'Sing and Sip' in one of the York pubs, a mainstream session where anyone can join in with group singing while having a pint in a comfortable setting as part of her new arts for wellbeing endeavour.
