Bruce House in Kemble Street, WC2, was buzzing with activity on Wednesday night at a gathering to celebrate the work of the Arts Cellar project.
This project, funded by Coutts Bank, offers people the chance to develop new skills by exploring their creative potential. Nick Gornall, head of private banking at Coutts and a trustee of their charitable trust, spoke at the event about his long association with Peabody and his pride in the work carried out. "Coutts has always been an organisation that supports local communities... We sit nicely together (with Peabody), both having a rich history and long traditions."
Students were on hand to showcase their talents throughout the jam-packed evening. Kiran James (pictured left), 22, performed some of his self-penned music during one of the sessions.
Previously homeless, Kiran joined music production programme On track in September 2010 to learn about sound recording software. During the course he has made contacts at a nearby recording studio and has every intention of continuing to create music, even if it’s just as a hobby. He said: "I’m really pleased with what I’ve learned here. Plus, some of the people I’ve met have turned into mentors for me."
After screening a short film which captured Kiran’s journey with On track, Sharon Wint-Gordon, Peabody’s Assistant Director of Youth Services, spoke of her faith in the project and of Kiran in particular. "I have no doubt that Kiran will be a success," she said.
Also performing on the night were members of the Life writing group, who presented a selection of readings from their own original poetry and prose. Some of the readings were based on observations of life around the Strand, near to the Bruce House centre (Donald McDonnell’s Sad Lady is reproduced, with his permission, here).
Donald also belongs to the arts group at Bruce House and their paintings, watercolours and drawings were on display all around the centre.
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Poet Donald (pictured left) in front of one of his paintings
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On display too was work from the photography group. Reginald Belletty (pictured right) is currently unemployed and comes along several days a week to practise his photography skills. He has become adept at creating different moods using different techniques. Reg was enthusiastic about his class and grateful for all that he has learned. He hopes to continue his photography work at the centre.
True drama was provided during the evening via three scenes from Agamemnon. Roza Ajibola-Tylecote (pictured left), in particular, stunned the audience by her rendering of Clytemnestra.
Reconnecting to work
Some Arts cellar students move from or to ‘Reconnect’, one of two projects based at Bruce House which help people get back into employment (the other is called Westminster Works). As well as teaching employability skills, tutors help students find a job by matching abilities to vacancies on their database.
Also on offer is interview training. This is provided by law firm Clifford Chance and recipients spoke about how useful it has been to them. One lady explained that she had not been at an interview for 11 years and found the interview training experience "nerve-wracking but useful". She recommended it to others who are also currently seeking work.
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Abdel, pictured left, is on the Reconnect programme
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Finally, a special thank you
Stephen Burns, Peabody’s Executive Director of New Business unveiled a plaque in memory of John Alfred Broome, a long-term supporter of the Arts Cellar and someone who has donated considerable funds over the years.
Poem by one of the members of the writing class. He has given permission for us to reproduce it.
Sad Lady
It was late Saturday evening
when I saw the Sad Lady
Slumped on the pavement
by busy Holborn station
She looked a benign, loving person
white hair, large glasses
sturdy cardigan and floral dress
But her shoes were forlorn
In front was a small paper cup
from the ominous betting shop
Entreating alms but ignored
By the disengaged horde
Sad Lady appeared so saintly
but bore the stigma
of a tainted medieval leper
And the little cup was bereft
Donald McDonnell 2010
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Actor and presenter, Matthew Kelly, dropped in during the evening to give his support. Matthew is currently starring in Lend Me a Tenor at the nearby Gielgud Theatre
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