The Space is celebrating its 15th anniversary! From its humble origins in a derelict church the Space was transformed into a vibrant arts centre back in 1996. It is both an important creative hub, producing outstanding professional productions, and an asset for the local community. Over the years the Space has required a high level of commitment and dedication from its staff, volunteers and trustees. The incredible lengths that they have gone to in order to make the Space a success are recognised here in our feature ’15 people who shaped the Space’. Of course there are many others who have contributed, we would also like to thank all of our volunteers, artists, performers, supporters and audience members for making the Space such a great place to be.
Gordon Silverman, Lesley Young and Steve Pilcher
7-9 in a series of 15 people who shaped the Space
Gordon Silverman
Hubbub café/bar has operated at the Space for over ten years, a remarkable achievement for Gordon Silverman (pictured above), keen motorcyclist and Rangers fan. Hubbub’s cosy atmosphere, excellent food and welcoming staff have provided the Space’s audiences, performers and staff with a perfect place to unwind. Organiser of the most keenly contested fantasy football league on the Isle of Dogs, Gordon married Lorna Masheder in 2009.
In addition to providing a great catering service for hirers of the hall, Gordon’s annual Marathon day party never fails to attract a huge crowd, supporting the runners and enjoying a barbecued burger. On a Saturday and Sunday morning, many local residents can be found enjoying ‘the Works’ – the best breakfast on the Isle of Dogs.
‘Gordon was a great help to me when I first arrived at the Space, his knowledge of the building, the local area and the history of the Space was invaluable. Gordon is generous, passionate about food and a consummate professional. Hubbub’s catering has been provided at numerous events at the Space and Gordon has always ensured a high standard of food and service. I met my wife in Hubbub so I have that to thank him for too!’ Adam Hemming (Centre Director of the Space)
Lesley Young
Lesley joined St Paul’s Arts Trust, responsible for managing the Space, in 2004 and has been an active member of the board of trustees ever since. One of the Space’s most enthusiastic and loyal supporters, she has been especially active in fund raising without which the Space would not have been able to achieve as much as it has. Lesley has brought a fantastic energy to the board and her network of contacts has delivered new trustees, resident performers, local audience members and workshop participants through our doors. Lesley’s alter ego, Lobelia Golightly, gave us a fantastic script to work on for the Space’s first in-house Christmas show – ‘The Saving of Santa’, which delighted audiences young and old. A barrister by day, Lesley has become a key member of our WorkSpace group and gave a memorable performance as King Duncan in Macbeth in the Blitz.
Alex Crampton comments on Lesley and husband Martin who chairs our board of trustees:-
‘Both have a great sense of humour coupled with a sincere dedication to helping community activities of all kinds around the island. I have such admiration for how much time Martin and Lesley have for others despite their heavy professional workloads.’
The volunteers at the Space have all been drawn to the venue for a whole range of reasons. Steve first came into contact with the project when Robert Richardson was fundraising for the restoration and conversion of the building and mucked in to assist when the contractors for the first phase had gone bankrupt. They had left a void that urgently needed bricking up to avoid the structure above collapsing, so Steve appeared one afternoon with a bricklaying trowel, mixed up some cement and “set to” with some bricks and solved the problem (quite literally shaping the Space!). It transpired that Steve and Rob were virtually the same age and families were from the same area and they became good friends.
Steve has known all of the staff at the Space and the following comments show how highly he is regarded.
‘A total legend. No job too big or small. From painting the auditorium (again) to giving tired workers a lift home after another long day.’
‘Possibly the kindest person I’ve ever met, Steve always takes the time to stop and ask ‘how are you?’ even when he’s been working for 16 hours straight and has just arrived at the Space to do accounts on a dark, rainy Monday evening.’