2018 is the year of the Hare! Not really of course, but here in Norwich we will have the GoGoHare Trail. If you remember the GoGoDragons! then you will know that this is Break Charity's next "Wild in art" Trail.  Break Charity, that supports young carers in Norfolk, will also by 50 years young in 2018 so it will be a big year for those of us lucky enough to work with and alongside the charity.  I feel very privileged and honoured to support the great work that Break do.  

So, Hares... coming soon and if you've been checking out my social media feed you will see that I have been out and about with the resin / Fibreglass marquettes (blank, unpainted sculptures) already.  There are more to come! Today Break in association with MOA Marketing have been holding "Hare Brained Ideas" where local artists have been pitching their "Hare" based ideas to support the trail in 2018.  I have been Meeting and Greeting the amazing people with awe inspiring ideas and I'm moved and emotional for them. It's very much like Dragons Den (and some people have said I have a passing resemblance to Evan Davis).  

​Sometimes it's hard to work in the creative sector... Very rewarding of course, but these artists have given so much and then have to present their ideas and business plan for them too. Having been exposed to artistic and corporate sectors, I can't imagine many corporate people coping with that dichotomy.  Be strong good people of the world, take a deep breath and be brave, take that leap into the unknown.  This is where you will excel. I wish you all good luck and hope that you are successful.

​In London again today for an interesting opportunity at the Birmingham Stage Company (http://birminghamstage.com) Great to meet with Roshni and Adrian and chat about the glorious (but chilly) sunny weather. Whatever the outcome, it was a great experience and I thank you!

Following on from that, King's Place where the TEDxLondonSalon (tedxlondon.com) were talking about "Feeding the city" (http://tedxlondon.com/tedxlondon-salon-21st-march/) and once again I was inspired and captivated by presentation after presentation about my favourite subject... Food! I was particularly impressed with small business startup Kerb (kerbfood.com). Petra Barron gave an impassioned speech on small business, streetfood and the heart and soul of London and good people generally, it was impossible not to follow her journey without sentiment, wonder and general hope for the future. Keep up the great work Petra, seriously great work.

And then I saw this quote on the train home..

"Never regret a day in your life: Good days give happiness, bad days give experience, worst days give lessons and the best days give memories."

Keep strong people, live for today and find your people, find your stage and be yourself. If you are still searching, keep looking and enjoy the experiences that life has to offer.

So much going on and so busy! But that's the way I like it. I wouldn't change the diversity and interesting work that I am lucky enough to get.  I recently asked to take the photos for TEDxNorwichED and I jumped at the chance. Lowlight is my speciality and added together with the wide ranging, interesting and thought provoking talks, who wouldn't? It was a full day with talks about how to deal with teenagers, how long can the brain survive without oxygen? How de we inspire teachers, students and people in general? I loved every moment and can proudly state that I am an official TEDx photographer. I am now down to London for TEDxLondon at the King's Place Music Foundation tomorrow. Exciting times.

I met up with those lovely people at Planet Productions yesterday and talked about "The Producers" and the Sound and Audio requirements specifically. It's a complex arrangement but Peter knows that I'm up for a challenge :) Book the dates in your diary April 24th - 29th and tickets (with more information) can be found here

The Norwich Freemen held the first stage of their Great Norwich History Competition where they asked two teachers Alex Atherton (The Hewett Academy) and Simon Everett (Notre Dame High) to propose and oppose the motion that ‘Norwich ceased to be a great city after 1750’.  It was lively debate and some great speakers, a  video can be found here. 

I was privileged to be Duty Technician for the Norwich School recently and bumped into my old pal Peter Beck, scenery and set builder extraordinaire!  Time for a quick catchup over a coffee and back to work. Students and teachers working hard to get the show together before opening night. Book here, it was really shaping up as I left! :) 

King's Place Music Foundation again this week where we are hosting the Jewish Book Week. Some good speakers, great books and inspirational question and answer sessions. 400 people at one session but the amazing Front of House crew worked well. I'm very proud. The Technical team worked hard too, very seamless and professional. Well done team.

I took some time out for some CPD this week, Two lunchtime sessions, one talking about the 16-20 year old market and how they perceive the future, life and big questions about how they see the world. Extremely interesting but heart rending as talk about the differences between the generations unfolded.  I think that my generation is the last that will potentially be better off than their parents... This view came across loud and clear from the research... But where they defeated? Downhearted? No. They were upbeat, positive and up for the challenge. They seem to be more driven by experiences and ethical values. I left with a really positive feeling that perhaps everything was going to be ok :) 

Second session was at the Theatre Royal Norwich. Stephen Crocker, CEO,  gave a quick introduction and explained his plans for the theatre. It will be busy, full of exciting new projects and I can't wait. We discussed venue programming and how important it is for venues to explore all areas of funding. It's clear that the usual funds are likely to dry up completely over the coming years. I felt uplifted and energised as I left. Good times are coming.

Adrank sponsored the third CPD session "Digital IQ". The legend that is Stuart Ashen stole the show for me with his unique blend of humour and sharp focus. I learnt loads about Youtube and how we can access it for marketing. A great day and it's always good to be back in the Assembly House and the quality venue services that they provide.

In a time where we can be inundated with bad vibes and ugly news it's been a a good week that has left me positive about the future for creative & sensitive people. Let's be awesome people. x