Swindon Borough Council
Head of Culture Swindon
2 July 2008
What a busy couple of months! I've been appointed “Head of Culture”, which means that, along with my existing Arts Services responsibilities, I'm now looking after Heritage. So fantastic Swindon jewels like Lydiard and the Museum are now in my remit.
Now, you can imagine my workload – which is a longwinded way of apologizing for not updating this blog recently!
First of all, I just want to say I'm very excited by the opportunities this new role presents to raise the profile of all things cultural in Swindon. For me culture is the lifeblood of society and I am determined to make sure that everyone in Swindon knows about, takes part in, and most importantly enjoys all our cultural facilities and services.
There are many exciting opportunities on the horizon – delivering on Promise 27 to find a new home for the Swindon Collections, rethinking our marketing and communications strategy – you may have seen our special Summer Supplement in the new look Swindon News? Getting smarter about how we coordinate our big festivals and events and, of course, continuing to ensure we deliver an exciting programme of arts and cultural activities.
So that’s what’s coming up, what about now?
Most of my team members are still recovering from the Swindon Summer Festival and the Bowl Benefit gig.
Both of these events were fantastic and a big thank you not just to staff and everyone involved but also to all of you who attended, making them both really memorable occasions.
In other news, I’m delighted to say that the Wiltshire and Swindon Arts Alliance (affectionately known as W&SAA!) has a website. For more info on this strategic arts partnership and cultural news in the area check it out here.
26 May
Well I did it... I went back on stage after 18 years and you know what... I loved it! The Aunty Betty Memorial Show was an amazing and fitting tribute to a much loved and respected dance teacher who had a significant influence over, not just mine but, thousands of lives.
Ilfracombe expressed it’s thanks in true community style with a sell-out show at the Land Mark Theatre, raising over £6,000 for The North Devon Hospice.
I thoroughly enjoyed myself... seeing all the girls l used to dance with as a child, meeting new ones (too young for me to have known then) 30 of us in a dressing room designed for 10, you have no choice but to muck in!
I was very nervous but determined not to let the side down. Most of the girls had been rehearsing every weekend for the last few months, I only managed two rehearsals but luckily the memory seemed to cope and I had an absolute ball. I kept Aunty Betty’s “eyes and teeth” motto in my head and smiled till my jaws ached.
And the best bit… getting to wear silver sparkly eye shadow!
8 May 2008
Hello everyone, blimey has it been a busy month. I’ve got soo much to tell you… let’s start with some personal stuff.
Aunty Betty
Well, we had our weekend of rehearsals for the Aunty Betty Memorial Show on Sunday 26 May 2008 at the Landmark Theatre in Ilfracombe [bad luck if you were hoping to gatecrash and see me performing – it’s SOLD OUT!]
We learnt four dances and six songs, including a high kick routine and lots of tap. I managed to get a BIG blister on my right heel – bloomin tap shoes, a big bruise on my knee – bloomin splits and an aching body – bloomin dancing but I had an absolute ball. All the steps came flooding back and I’m in my old place front row, stage left so I have to lead everyone on and am always last to get off!! Now then just gotta get some practice in and try to remember the order all the steps come in…
Benefit Gig
A bit more personal stuff that also links to work stuff…
Have you heard that the Arts Services Team are putting on a very special Big, Bowl Benefit Gig? It’s Saturday 31 May at the Bowl, Old Town Gardens, and we are all donating our time and skills for free to try to raise some money for some much-needed repairs to the fabric of the Bowl.
We have an amazing line up of acts for you, including the debut performance from my very own son no. 2’s band Any Day Now. This bunch of youngsters from Isambard School are being championed by Kirsty Carter our Artsmad Director and the band has been created through the Flux Rockschool.
- Clarry (Bean, Arts Centre),
- Jane (Shrimpton, Arts Centre),
- Kirsty (Carter, Artsmad)
- and Matt (Davis, Arts Centre) are forming a quartet,
- Marilyn (Fitzgerald, Mobile Media) is brushing up on her comedy act
- and Fay (Billingham, Arts Centre) and I will be teaching a dance to accompany…wait for it….
Our Chief Executive’s band Aeshna. This is the first time Gavin has performed in Swindon and, judging from their myspace area, we are all in for a very special treat!
Head of Culture
Back to the work stuff and you may have heard that I’ve now been appointed Head of Culture for Swindon Borough Council.
I am really excited about all the opportunities that this offers for arts and heritage to work more closely together and am currently trying to work out just how much stuff I’m now responsible for.
I will try to keep you updated with how I’m getting on in the coming months, that is if anyone does actually read this cause I never get any feedback ;-) So please send feedback!
27 February 2008
This month I am dedicating my blog to a very special colleague who is retiring this week from SBC after 21 years.
Lots of you will know the wonderful Jean Coleman. Jean is one of those unsung heroes, she has quietly, efficiently and always in the background, done masses to support the development of culture and the arts in Swindon. For many years Jean has been the first point of contact for anyone and everyone needing information about the arts and culture. She knows everyone and everything. She treats everyone with true professionalism, caring passionately about the service she personally delivers and handing out nuggets of advice and guidance along the way.
On a personal level Jean has been the most supportive colleague imaginable. She has taught me an incredible amount, she always seems to know when I need a quiet shoulder, a cup of coffee or, better still, a biscuit. She is a great proofreader and knows exactly how apostrophes should be used! She’s never been afraid to express her opinions or suggest better ways to do things, and she doesn’t suffer fools gladly. Maybe there is a hint of bossiness but aren’t all the best organisers a bit bossy at times?
Whilst we all wish Jean every happiness in her well-deserved retirement I am also delighted that she has decided to continue to be involved with the arts. Jean is our latest volunteer recruit and will be supporting me in the office about two days a week. She is also going to join the Artsminds Development Group, where I’m sure she will use her inimitable organisational skills to whip us in to shape!
Thanks for everything Jean, you are an arts star indeed!
...and for those of you who like the personal gossip...
This month I have been busy trying to sort rehearsal dates for a very special show in May. My old dancing teacher died just before Christmas and her funeral in January was a really amazing day. Known as Aunty Betty to thousands she taught dance in Ilfracombe for over 40 years and was the inspiration for thousands of pupils, spanning three generations. On the day I caught up with friends from those very early childhood days - yup when I was a womble! Someone had the idea that we should stage a show in her honour and dance again all the old routines... her grandson Mark [just 23] has set about organising it all and the event at the Landmark Theatre is being staged to raise funds for the North Devon Hospice.
Trying to fix a weekend when we can all get together is hard work but it looks as if our first rehearsal will be in March, better dust off those tap shoes! We are also going to do a kick line routine as Aunty Betty was a Tiller Girl in her youth, so I had also better start trying to get in shape.
Finally for this bumper edition, did any of you see Swindon's latest theatre company, Empire Theatre Company's launch production of 42nd Street last week? If you missed it you missed a real treat, these youngsters brought a wonderful dynamic energy to the Wyvern with their energy and exuberance in what was indeed a highly professional production. I was worried the Wyvern roof would literally blow off with the stampeding applause from a very appreciative audience. I am therefore delighted that ETC are in discussion to stage a special Christmas Show at the Arts Centre this year and I urge you to watch this space as there is clearly lots more great nights of entertainment from this talented group.
19 December 2007
Blimey, another year comes to an end. I thought this month I'd do a bit of a review for you. A sort of Helen's best bits of 2007...
January - Sixth Sense Theatre for Young People's production of Jabberwocky. This Swindon based company has been producing outstanding drama for schools for over 20 years, and their fabulous new production certainly didn’t disappoint!
February -The Commonweal School music competition where I first came across the outrageously talented trio otherwise Known as the Alfonz.
March - we finally took delivery of the state of the art digital media centre on wheels - the FluxMobile. And it was definitely worth all the waiting and all the stress!
April – Swindon Youth Dance Company celebrated their 10th birthday with a party and special performance at the Town Hall. Some great new and original choreography from the young people and a gorgeous new work from their Director Helen Ganberg.
May - the magical and magnificent Swindon Festival of Literature - need I say more... and the re-launch of our own Create Studios now based in fantastic new accommodation here at the Wyvern.
June - young@art, our own free Festival of delights for families and children took centre stage outside Debenhams. The shows were enthralling and the specially hired seating was a triumph for comfort.
July - it has to be the jewel of the cultural calendar the stunningly successful Swindon Mela and thank goodness it didn't rain!
August - the climax of the ever-popular Bowl Concert season starring Alex Wilson's Salsa Orchestra - we love taking a picnic and dancing whilst the sun sets over Old Town Gardens.
September - if you missed the superb Swindon Shuffle in July there was another chance to catch up with all the best bits at the Sugar Hill Festival at Liddington Farm. And of course the Wyvern finally re-opened too!
October - the black history exhibition and performance at the Arts Centre. A fabulous way to celebrate our rich cultural heritage. Made even more poignant as this was the bicentenary of the abolition of the slave trade.
November - Motionhouse Dance Company at the Wyvern blew me and my lads away with their stunning skill and pure physicality. Swindon Dance has supported this dynamic company for many years.
December - watching my middle son debut with his band “Any Day Now” at the Isambard School Flux Christmas Concert!
So what have you enjoyed in 2007? Drop me a line be great to know your favourites too.
And finally wishing you all a very happy festive season!
8 November 2007
This month I think I will put you all out of your misery and finish my potted career story.
So...
It's 1998 and we have relocated to Swindon. Why Swindon? Well I took a job at Cirencester College and we couldn't afford to buy there! Stroud was too rural and off the beaten track for my city loving other half who had stumbled across a big new housing development, otherwise known as north Swindon. It all happened very fast. I got the job in mid July and had to start at the end of August. I wasn't going to commute or leave my young family so a quick part exchange and we were here.
Our new home was great - all that was missing was a primary school but that was being built at Abbey Meads. I got myself on the temporary governing body. It would be a good way to meet people and learn more about this new community I figured, and it was!
As a governor I saw another side to education and when a job came up as a professional assistant for the Director of Planning and Resources for Swindon Local Education Authority I decided to go for it. I look back now and am very grateful for those 18 months spent on a wide variety of projects. Everything from project managing the redevelopment of Park South infant and junior schools to reviewing school transport to planning school places and the new schools for Priory Vale. I learnt lots and enjoyed my first experience of being a local government officer. But the pull of the arts was still strong and when I was encouraged to apply for the new position of Director of Performing Arts at Churchfields School another chapter opened.
As a specialist arts college it was my role to develop strong partnerships with the professional arts sector. So it was in this job that I started to get to know the Swindon arts scene. Sixth Sense Theatre for Young People, Swindon Dance and Swindon Music Service were all partners. I met Toby Rathbone, then Performing Arts Officer, and discovered the Swindon Summer Festival. Trips to the Wyvern, part time lecturing at New College and lots of artist residencies all added to the mix.
I had no idea what to do next
But it was a difficult time to be a teacher at Churchfields, the school was in special measures and it had been 14 years since I last taught teenagers. It wasn't really what I wanted to do and so for the first time in my life I decided to leave a job without any real idea of what next.
I continued to lecture on the A Level Dance course at New College and began a year teaching at was then called the ACES Project. Based at the Oakfield campus the project provided full time highly focused learning opportunities for 14-16 year olds at risk of under achievement. I found this work stimulating, challenging, rewarding and frustrating in equal measures. It is very hard being so close to young people whose lives lack the security most of us take for granted.
As often happens, changes in funding meant that ACES needed to change and I needed to find another job. I sat surfing one lunchtime and saw an ad for a Strategic Arts and Community Officer for Swindon Borough Council. So in September 2003 that is what I became. A few job title changes later and here I am Head of Arts.
More next month...
20 September 2007
Another busy month for me with lots of exciting things to tell you. It started with the annual nalgao (National Association of Local Government arts officers) conference in Cambridge. This year the theme was all about the role that the arts can play in developing and regenerating communities. This is particularly relevant here in Swindon with so much growth being planned and it was therefore really great that the Leader of Swindon Borough Council, Cllr. Rod Bluh was able to join me.
What a fabulous opportunity for him to experience the world of local government arts first hand. On the way back I asked him what he had learnt. His first response was, "well I now know that arts officers aren't really all that wacky!" I think what he meant was they are actually very professional and have an excellent understanding of the key issues facing both the arts and local government as a whole.
Unique
We were treated to lots of practical examples from around the country on the impact that the arts can make in developing communities. We visited a unique development of artists studios, Wysling Arts Centre. This rural centre is undergoing a major capital development and provides affordable studio spaces and professional support for all forms of visual artists. We heard about show homes being used to host arts activities for a new community, exciting plans for a major public art work on the Severn Bridge, artists working on regenerating physical landscapes and a series of festivals in Oldham which are improving community cohesion. The Rt. Hon. Margaret Hodge, Minister for Culture, addressed us on her key priorities and why she believes the arts are important. She said Government is more than aware of the importance of the creative industries in both economic and social terms and that she herself likes to play the piano - Chopin - to unwind after a hard day!
With over 200 delegates from across the country the conference was jammed packed with ideas, discussion and debate. Inevitably there was hot debate about how we define participation in the arts - is Karaoke an art form? And what about audience engagement, is being an audience member a purely passive activity? Then there's the gritty issue of what is art? Hmmmm, well guess what no clear answers there! But there was a unanimous agreement that the arts are central to our lives and must continue to thrive and develop.
Here are some photos from the official photographer Bob Clayden - notice his artistic streak!
Renaissance Day
On Monday I hosted ''Planning the Renaissance 3", at the Arts Centre. The day enabled me to hear the views of over 70 creative artists and organisations on how to develop the arts in Swindon. Top of the needs list and of no surprise is a multipurpose and flexible gallery space, closely followed by affordable artist studios and a growing demand for a big purpose built music venue. On the positives the sector now feels much better coordinated and there are lots of highly successful partnerships delivering exciting arts activities. For a full report of the day click here.
The arts team will now be spending some time looking at all the ideas and suggestions to see which ones can be taken forwards. Watch this space to see what we plan to do next!
Wyvern Theatre
Tomorrow marks the opening of the Wyvem Theatre after the well-publicised refurbishment. Having been involved in this project all year it will be fantastic to finally see it all open again. I do hope you will all find time to visit the theatre and would love to hear your reactions. As ever, please do send me your feedback, sorry no time for a career history update this month… you’ll have to log on again next month for the story of how I came to Swindon nine years ago!
15 August 2007
It’s blog writing time again and this month I am going to do some unashamed promotion! I have no idea how many of you actually read this, but I do know someone who does because he has asked me to help promote his new band. So here are the details for a brand new band called Talk in Code who are making their debut performance on Thursday 23 August at Riffs Bar at 8.00pm. You can find out more about Talk in Code by visiting www.myspace.com/talkincode and lots of luck and good wishes for your debut from me and the Arts Services Team!
(Here's the press release they sent me - check it out:
"Having moved on from considerable time in other groups, bandmates from Talk In Code met through a combination of chance meetings, curiosity, drunken banter and not to mention the simple love of making music! Being all Swindon based made forming a little easier and things didn't take long to start moving..... The name is taken from a feeling that portrays a confused state of mind combined with thing's just not making sense.
From initial brainstorming sessions through spring 07, the music soon developed into something electric and the ideas were knocked into shape with almost immediate effect. The songs are forged around an emotion based theme and how we all deal with what life throws at us differently..... The melodies boast anthemic, charismatic attitude underpinned by fizzy, solid rhythm's to stunning effect. Keyboards and soaring guitars lend bundles of atmosphere whilst subtleties keep the listener engaged!
LIVE is top of the agenda for the band with a promise of an energetic, absorbing performance with plenty of edge and no doubt a few spontaneous outbursts along the way!
Talk In Code is a band that shows direction and a band that displays clear purpose and cause. ")
Talking of Riffs Bar, which I was, before the press release, what a fabulous evening we had there last week. Artsminds – the Swindon network and forum for artistic and creative types – had their summer strictly no agenda gathering at Riffs, where we treated to great live music from The Attica Seasons. Yet again I was bowled over by the sheer weight of musical talent we have here in Swindon and I’m really looking forward to the Swindon Shuffle stage at the Sugar Hill Festival on the 8-9 September.
Before I get off the subject completely I must just mention the hugely talented young band the Alfonz. I’ve now seen them twice and been so impressed by their maturity and professionalism I had to pinch myself to remember they aren’t even old enough to buy a drink yet! If you’ve not seen them I suggest you head to Riffs this Thursday. I’m planning to take along my three lads all of whom are keen musicians, I’m hoping they will be inspired enough to practice even harder themselves!
Mela
So what else has been happening this month? Well, of course I must mention the magnificent Mela. What a feast of delight we were treated to, the sun shone, the food was fantastic and the atmosphere was amazing. It was as if Swindon came out to party and with over 17,000 visitors the Mela once again comes firmly in first place as the most popular Swindon cultural event. A special thank you to everyone involved in making it happen, especially Riz and the Mela Executive, Liz and Matt from Arts Services. You do a brilliant job and I’m already looking forward to Swindon Mela 08!
It was the Salsa night at the Bowl on Saturday and we were able to round off this years rather weather beaten season with an evening of sheer summer pleasure. A packed Bowl danced the night away to the sexy sounds of Alex Wilson and his orchestra of sensational musicians. I took along my family, 4 males, none of whom would dance with me – so no embarrassing photos there then! It was lovely to see the Bowl filled with hundreds of happy faces and I love the family friendly nature of this wonderful and unique venue.
My backstory continued...
And finally, here is yet another chapter in the history of how I ended up as Arts Services Manager. It is now 1991 and I am on the move again…
Next stop Yeovil in sleepy South Somerset. Heading back west was always in my plans, and the opportunity to take up a new Head of Dance position at Yeovil College was my dream job. I remember reading the job description with my jaw hanging open. If I could have written my ideal job description this would have been it. Teaching A Level and BTEC National Diploma Dance and Performing Arts, setting up and being the Artistic Director for a new youth dance company, developing a community dance programme, directing and choreographing college productions, I was in heaven!
Seven very happy years followed when, as well as enjoying my work, I managed to find time to get married and have three boys! I was fortunate to have a great team of colleagues to work with, an inspirational boss and lots of wonderful students to work with. It is a real pleasure to teach 16 –19 year olds. Generally by this time they are totally committed to the arts and many of them have ambition to make a career in the profession. It’s a proud moment when your students are offered places at prestigious colleges! Of course not all of them have the talent or the determination to make it and as a personal tutor I always found this task the hardest.
Check back next month when the final stop in the journey takes me to Swindon!
Don't forget I welcome your feedback.
12 July 2007
This month we've had the exciting announcement that the Wyvern will re-open in September. I have been involved in this project for almost a year and, amongst other things, chose the colour for the new seats. So, yup, blame me if you don't like them!
It's has been a steep learning curve to completely refurbish a theatre and re-instate all the technology and kit. You would not believe how much cable is needed nor how hard everyone involved has worked. I know it seems like a long time but the refit work only began in January and you really will be amazed by the transformation. Don't miss your chance to see for yourself by coming to the open weekend.
So, have you been to any of our summer events yet? The Classical Bowl concert on Saturday was fabulous.
The City of London Sinfonia played a wonderful selection of well loved classics (most having featured as TV adverts or theme tunes at some stage), followed by a last night of the proms traditional finale. And the fireworks - well, words fail me. I have never seen such wonderful colours and we even had a second round for the encore. I must say a very special thank you to our Festivals and Events officer Liz who worked very hard to make it happen.
This Saturday is Baka Beyond another musical treat in the beautiful Old Town bowl.
I can also recommend the latest exhibition at the Arts Centre. Ken White's paintings of our railway town are evocative, emotional, full of depth and started me imagining life before blogs and concrete!
Finally for this month, another instalment in the Helen career, and no embarrassing photos this time!
My first teaching job was at Denbigh High School in Luton. I was their first ever dance teacher and on a mission to make sure they all enjoyed it! I was given an old school gym as a studio and pretty much a free reign on what to teach.
As a young teacher it was a bit odd being closer to the kids in age than the rest of the staff, but that was a big advantage as I knew all the "in" music. This was 1989 and hip hop was big, the kids taught me some moves and I taught them a few and together we created some great dances. I ran clubs every lunchtime, and after school, and soon the dance studio became the place to hang out. I had a boys-only club, quite a few of them told their parents and friends they were going to football practice!
Our first show turned them in to superstars though and they were invited to perform at a number of regional platforms, including at the East of England Show in 1990 attended by HM the Queen.
Enough for now... don't forget I welcome your feedback.
13 June 2007
First off this month I have to say a huge congratulations to our very own Fay who got married this week! Many of you will know Fay as she has been with Arts Services for several years now and taken on quite a few roles, first as Box Office Assistant, then Marketing and now Admin. Fay looked amazing when we saw her last night, absolutely perfect with her “up, down, down up” hair and gorgeous strapless dress. We wish Fay, Ben and little Ella lots of love and happiness for the future!
Typically the wedding clashed with our very own Clarry and family Bean performance at the Arts Centre. I am sure that was also a roaring success, judging form the quality of the CD they have made and which is now on my ipod with pride. All proceeds from the concert and CD are going to the Prospect House, find out how to get hold of a copy yourself.
I think I might have told one or two people about how I got a Blue Peter badge recently so I thought I would share the story with all of you before the rumours get about! It was 1973 [ish] and the Wombles had hit our screen with a vengeance, the recycling virtues of these strange creatures that lived on 
Wimbledon Common were surely way ahead of the times? I needed a new song and dance routine for my next exam and quite liked the song. Before I knew it my mum had sourced some brown fur and was busy making me an Orinoco costume, complete with floppy hat and shiny red nose.So when Blue Peter had the Wombles band on Lesley Judd claimed it was the first time she had seen a Womble tap dance I just had to write and put her straight. I was hoping for an invite to the programme to demonstrate my own Womble tap dance but had to make do with a Blue Peter badge instead!
Now that is all sorted out here’s a bit more of the journey to Arts Manager…
When I left Middlesex in 1984 with my BA Hons Performance Arts I wasn’t at all sure what I was going to do next. Careers advice was somewhat limited and I was determined to find a way to work in the industry.A spell in the Box Office at the Victoria Apollo where Starlight Express was running wasn’t quite what I had in mind and the pay hardly covered the rent and travel in London. It was time for a rethink, 6 months back home in North Devon working at the family theme park Watermouth 
Castle and pulling pints in the local pub was a quick way to pay off the overdraft. By now I had secured a place to do a Post Graduate Certificate of Education in Dance at Bedford College. Interestingly at the time there were only two colleges in the UK where you could train to teach dance in schools. I knew I had done the right thing when that summer my old school invited me back to choreograph, design and build the set, create the lighting design, stage manage and do the marketing for a production of Joseph. I loved it, working with the kids was brilliant we did a week run as part of the National Youth Festival in Ilfracombe to packed audiences and standing ovations! I was hooked teaching arts was great…
Finally for this month I just want to say a huge thanks to my very quick thinking staff, Ali and Matt especially for averting a major disaster at the Arts Centre today, a serious flood was dealt with efficiently and effectively although Stuart did cheekily suggest we should diversify to include snorkelling!
16 May 2007
Hello again, I’m back with my first update. I have had some great feedback following my first blog and lots of teasing about the photos! Several of you have asked how I got to my present job, so there’s a bit more of the history at the end of this installment.
Firstly the big news for May is that Create Studios is re-launching in their new home here at the Wyvern. This is very exciting for all of us. For many years cre8 [same organization, new grown up spelling now!] had been housed in the top floor of the Town Hall. Whilst there were lots of advantages in sharing a home with Swindon Dance, the access was very limited and the space totally unsuitable for a 21st century cutting edge digital, film and media organization.
With support from Swindon Borough Council we have been able to convert the former Joliffe Studios at the Wyvern to create a unique state-of-the-art digital media centre. This includes four mini starter units or incubators, which can house emerging creative industries and artists.
The idea is that Create will be able to provide support, facilities and expertise to enable these mini industries to really get established and thrive. All of our equipment has also been upgraded and replaced and the main studio is sound proofed so can also be used as a recording studio. Why not come and find out for yourself what’s on offer on May 22nd when we will be throwing the doors open to the public.
Back to my early life...
Now, where was I in the potted career history?
Oh yes, I was 16, still dancing, still playing the French horn and piano and now keen on visual arts too. I took A Level art and loved it. Thought maybe a degree in visual art was beckoning and indeed I got a few offers. But I hate to admit this, I got scared. A visit to the fine art studios at Bretton Hall was terrifying. The canvases were huge, very abstract, and very wacky. For an 18 year old from N Devon this was too much, much to my Headteacher's disappointment I turned down the offer.
Now what? I was really lucky to have brilliant careers teacher and back in those days you could apply to, what were then, polytechnics right up until the end of the academic year. How had I missed the degree in Performance Arts at Middlesex? A quick application and I was at the last set of auditions for the year and I got a place.
Trent Park in Cockfosters was so beautiful I knew this was the place for me. The performance arts degree allowed you to specialize in either music, drama or dance but to study the full range of art forms alongside and learn about all the other aspects of the industry like arts administration, set design, stage management etc.I chose to specialize in dance.
More next time….
As ever, your feedback is very welcome, drop me an email hmiah@swindon.gov.uk
19 April 2007
Hi everyone and welcome to my first official blog! Where to start... hmm... "make it interesting", Joy the Arts web editor said. "People like to read about real people" So here's a bit about me to get us going.
My name is Helen Miah and I am Arts Services Manager. If anyone had told me when I was at school that there was a job called Arts Services Manager I would have jumped at it. I love the arts.
As a youngster I drove my parents mad constantly dancing all around the house. We had huge windows in the lounge and I discovered they made an excellent mirror. I used to put on a record - yes remember those vinyl things, that your parents taught you to handle with extreme care and not drop the needle!
Then in my head there would be at least 20 other dancers and off we would go. I had imaginary stories I created, as well as an obsession with patterns and shapes.
Later I got into music and played the French Horn. It was my grandfather's favourite instrument;he loved the Mozart Horn Concertos. Unfortunately he didn't live to hear me play them.
By 16 I was playing in several local orchestras, the county youth orchestra, wind band and jazz orchestra. Mum and I clocked up the miles as she drove me to Exeter for rehearsals [I grew up in a little village in North Devon called Berrynarbor, it's not far from Ilfracombe]. I also used to get the train up to London once a month for lessons with Mike Thompson, who was at the time principal hornist with the London Philharmonic Orchestra. Mike was my guru, inspirational and totally awesome. I wonder what he is doing now?
Are you bored yet? Is this interesting? I am curious to know how many of you play instruments, or used to, or would like to? The recent BBC series Play it Again has reminded me just how special playing an instrument can be... Aled Jones doing Led Zeppelin was great!
Anyway that's enough for now, send me some feedback. Do you want to know more, what happened next, how I ended up as Arts Services Manager? Contact me on HMiah@swindon.gov.uk
I'll hopefully be updating this blog every month, sometimes with the ups and downs of the arts world, sometimes with my whim of the moment. Until next time...
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