Latest news with #communitychampions
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Why Island theatre closures are a leadership failure
There's a lot in the news right now about Ventnor Winter Gardens — and rightly so. The anger and dismay over the state of that iconic 1930s building is loud and growing. It mirrors the public outcry we've seen around Ryde Theatre in recent years: beautiful, significant spaces in the heart of our communities falling into disrepair, with only the bare minimum being done to keep them standing. A couple of sticking plasters here and there, but no real effort to encourage — or require — their current owners to do anything meaningful with them. But not every theatre was lost to the same fate. Back in 2013, when the council was offloading its cultural assets in a short-sighted cost-cutting drive, Shanklin Theatre was handed not to a private landlord, but to a community group. That decision changed everything. An awesome team of community champions stepped up — people who cared deeply about the space and wanted it to thrive. With a phenomenal team of volunteers and smart, audience-focused programming, they've created a jam-packed schedule that fills the theatre's 615 seats most nights of the week. Back in 2010, the council saw these venues as financial drains. But it wasn't the buildings that were the problem — it was how they were being used. With better programming, more ambitious thinking, and broader access for community groups, these spaces could have been assets rather than burdens. Now, instead of lively theatres, we're left with empty eyesores the council can't do anything about. It was a colossal mistake — and one with a lesson we still need to learn. We're right to point the finger at neglectful landlords when our historic theatres crumble — but let's not forget who sold them off in the first place. The Isle of Wight Council's role in the long-term loss of venues like Ryde Theatre is a chapter worth re-reading. And speaking of Ryde Theatre: remember that election banner with council leader Phil Jordan's face draped across the front, as if he was the man to save it? Well, he's had a bonus year in power — is he going to use it to finally sort this problem out? Ryde Town Council washed their hands of it. A trust was formed. Another group appeared. But that's just led to background squabbling between factions, while no one seems to be getting any closer to getting the keys. All the while, a grand building continues to crumble. A brilliant, community-led report by the Friends of Ryde Theatre laid out a clear, viable vision for the building's future. It was thoughtful, practical, and inspiring — but about as likely to happen as me growing wings and flying up the clock tower. The other group delivered a presentation on a flashy, London-style redevelopment, complete with promises of a 'well-known photographer' backing it. I'm sure most of us could come up with a dream wishlist for these incredible spaces, but without the keys, they're just that — dreams. This isn't just nostalgia or sentimentality. Theatres, when alive and well, deliver massive economic and social benefits. Audiences spend money — on food, drink, transport, babysitters — before and after a show. These spaces employ local people, offer training and creative opportunity, and give young talent a reason to stay on the Island. The knock-on effect is real, and measurable. But bringing them back isn't enough. Once open, these venues need to be programmed smartly. They should grow audiences, respond to local need, and play their part in the Island's cultural ecosystem — from fringe theatre and touring bands to community shows and education work. Just look at Strings in Newport — a powerhouse for local and touring music — or the way we throw on flower crowns and wellies and pack out the Festival every June. We've got the talent, the stories, the visitors, the community will. The demand is there. What's missing is space — and leadership with the guts and vision to bring these venues back into public hands, invest in them properly, and deliver a bold, ambitious programme we can all be proud of. Because a place without theatres is a place without a proper stage to tell its stories. And right now, far too many curtains are closed.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Community champions honoured at BEM investiture ceremony
A BEM investiture ceremony honoured community champions for a range of services, including education, mental health and young people. Recipients of the British Empire Medal gathered at Muncaster Castle on May 16 to receive the honour from the Lord Lieutenant of Cumbria, Alexander Scott. Among those to be awarded the BEM were Chris Young, 32, of Cleator Moor, who was recognised for services to positive safety culture and to male mental health. Chris Young pictured with close friend Melanie Dixon, mum Dawn Southey, step mum Kimberley Young and dad Peter Young (Image: Submitted) He has raised nearly £100,000 for charity and completed a number of marathons for good causes after struggling with his own mental health. Mr Young, who works as a health physics monitor at Sellafield, also works alongside the Apprentice Council and has inspired Sellafield apprentices to do positive work in the community. He said: 'Muncaster Castle was a beautiful place to be presented with the medal. Sitting alongside the other recipients made it all the sweeter. Personal accolades, in a respectful way, don't enamour me at all. The messages I get off people whose lives I'm directly impacted are what sets the fire in my belly. Chris Young with his BEM for services to positive safety culture and to male mental health (Image: Submitted) 'The award for me is also an extension of the support I receive from everyone in the community. I'm just a spearhead in a collective effort. Without everyone that believes in and supports me, everything I do wouldn't be worthwhile. So I don't necessarily look at the award as a personal accolade. More a collective achievement. 'Being alongside the other medallists was a special occasion, though. The work each of them had done was simply unbelievable and equally inspiring. Being able to share the occasion with the four most important and closest people in my life is an occasion I'll never forget. Having the opportunity to see the pride in their faces is something that will never be lost on me.' Stuart McCourt, 42, commanding officer at Whitehaven Sea Cadets, received the BEM for voluntary service to young people and to the environment. Stuart McCourt, commanding officer at Whitehaven Sea Cadets received the BEM for voluntary service to young people and to the environment (Image: Submitted) He has been a part of the Sea Cadets in West Cumbria since the mid-1990s and has been a volunteer there for more than 20 years. Mr McCourt, of Cleator Moor, said: 'It was a real surprise to find out I had been nominated. I joined Whitehaven Sea Cadets as a cadet when I was 12 and loved it, and the opportunities it gave me. When I became a volunteer at 18, I just wanted others to be able to make the most of the same opportunities I had. 'It was a privilege to eventually become commanding officer and I've been fortunate to have worked with dozens of other amazing volunteers over the years. The cadets never cease to amaze me either and it's great to see them develop skills and grow in confidence while they are with us. Many keep in touch with the unit and it's always nice to hear how sea cadets helped shape their careers and lives even years after they left. Stuart McCourt, commanding officer at Whitehaven Sea Cadets, receives his BEM at Muncaster Castle (Image: Submitted) 'I don't do it for any recognition but knowing that someone felt so strongly enough that they chose to put me forward really means a lot to me. Being awarded the BEM is a huge honour and I'm really grateful for everyone who got in touch with such kind words when they found out.' David Davidson, chair of trustees for the Changing Lives Learning Trust, was awarded the BEM for services to the nuclear industry and the education sector. David Davidson was awarded a BEM for services to the nuclear industry and the education sector (Image: Submitted) Mr Davidson has dedicated more than 20 years to school governance, supporting schools, staff, and students across the region, before becoming chair of trustees for the multi-academy trust, based in Engremont, in 2023. He said: "It was a privilege, honour and humbling to attend Muncaster Castle to receive the BEM and meet fellow recipients of the award. I remain eternally grateful to those who nominated me for the award and for the opportunities that have been made available to me throughout my life, which made it possible. David Davidson pictured with wife, Vanessa (Image: Submitted) 'Muncaster Castle was the perfect venue to receive the award and I thank all involved for organising the evening and their hospitality. I am now very much looking forward to attending the Royal Garden Party at Holyrood House, Edinburgh on July 1." Other BEM recipients were Dr Christopher Ayling for services to the community in Ennerdale, Charles Devlin for services to the community in Ireby and Allan Muirhead for services to the community in Kirkby Lonsdale.
BBC News
15-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Hull community champions recognised at royal garden party
Two "community champions" from Hull have been recognised for their work as they joined the royals for a garden party at Buckingham by King Charles III and Queen Camilla, the event on Wednesday recognised and acknowledged contributions by those in local communities across the those attending was Emily Griffin, safeguarding lead at St Richard's Voluntary Catholic Academy, and Capt Roger Vine, supply teaching assistant at Frederick Holmes School."To be a part of the pomp and ceremony will be a memory that lasts forever," Ms Griffin said. Ms Griffin, who was nominated by her colleagues, has worked at the school for 31 years and was inspired by her grandad, who won the Queen's Jubilee Medal for his services to McEvoy, chief executive of St Cuthbert's Roman Catholic Academy Trust, which runs St Richard's, said Ms Griffin had an "unwavering dedication to the children and families of her community".She said: "Emily goes above and beyond every day to ensure the safety, wellbeing and future of those she serves."She embodies what it means to be a true champion for children and families."Ms Griffin described the day as a "fabulous experience, soaking up the atmosphere of the military brass band and people dressed in their finery". Capt Vine joined the staff at Frederick Holmes in 2004 after taking a step back from the Merchant referred to the school as his "happy place", and that he had "no plans to put my feet up just yet".Posting on social media, Frederick Holmes School called him their "very own community champion"."He's received a prestigious invitation to the royal garden party, and wow, does he deserve it," the school said."Through rain or shine, Roger has been our go-to helper extraordinaire. Roger's dedication has been truly royal-worthy." Capt Vine previously told BBC Radio Humberside he almost missed the phone call inviting him to the said: "I don't take phone calls at school, so I cancelled it and later in the evening I thought 'I wonder who that was?'"So I rang the number and the lady answered. I thought 'this is a wind up'."Reflecting on the day, Capt Vine said: "It was wonderful and it was an experience I will hold dear." All those invited to the garden were involved in education and there are three held each year - two at Buckingham Palace and one at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in are held to give the royals a chance to meet people who have made a positive impact in their community. Listen to highlights from Hull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.
