Gillian graduated with a first class BA (Hons) in Music from Colchester Institute in 1985, specialising in composition, married Phil in 1993 and has two daughters, both of whom share their interest in music. Gillian has sung in choirs all her life, including the Royal Choral Society with regular performances at the Festival Hall and the Royal Albert Hall.

After graduating, Gillian did a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) but after a year or so it was clear that teaching was not the right job for her. But she needed a job, so taught herself to touch type and got a job as a PA for an Life Assurance Salesman and thus began her career in Financial Services. She went from there to do administration in the West End of London – the sole woman among about 100 salesmen! Gillian currently works as Financial Services Administrator in the Colchester office of Solicitors Birkett Long LLP, enabling her to combine her love of figures with a delight in efficient administration, and to enjoy a job that contrasts with her creative side.

Gillian has been living in Clacton since 1998, and has been organist at Christ Church United Reformed Church since 2003. Her conducting career started when she helped out with Holland Park School Choir in 2005 and started up a children's choir at church a few years later. The Christ Church Singers were formed in 2009 - starting off with with at least 80% of members unable to read music or having sung in a choir before. They have developed to be able to sing in 3 or 4 part harmony.

Gillian was appointed MD of the Society in 2011.