Tony Gilks was born and educated in Birmingham and at the age of 16 he joined the Birmingham Parks Division to train in Horticulture. Moving to West Sussex in 1961. Tony joined the West Sussex Police Force and served his 30 years stationed in Worthing, Littlehampton and Arundel, becoming the Schools Liaison Officer for Sussex Police from 1977 to 1985. On retirement from the force Tony joined the guiding staff at Arundel Castle until July 2002.

Lizzie Gilks was born in Kent in 1959, moving to Wales in 1961. She was educated in Cheltenham and Dorset and completed her education at Oswestry College studying History and Art. Moving to Arundel in 1986 Lizzie worked for Arun District Council as a part time Information Officer in Arundel Tourist Office and part time guide for Arundel Castle. In 1989 Lizzie was promoted to Head Guide and Functions Manager at Arundel Castle. That year she obtained her South East England Tourist Board, Blue Badge and has spent 14 years promoting tourism within the town and Castle of Arundel.