Banbury Gig-Arts' Grand Finale at Bloxham Mill Business Centre
The grand finale of the Banbury Gig-Arts Project was an outstanding success! Participants of all abilities who are seeking employment flocked to be a part of their final day of outreach experience which was held at the Bloxham Mill Business Centre.
With Bloxham Mill’s newly furbish state of the art Oak Room full to capacity, the Gig-Arts teams took their seats and waited in nervous anticipation as they were each invited to leap into the limelight and present themselves. It wasn’t long before each participant plucked up the courage to step forward and acknowledge their learning journey. Many had started the course of Banbury Gig-Arts Events as long as six months ago and along the way had gained confidence and more self-esteem. Boldly they took the microphone and shared their achievements. For some, there were tears of emotion while others basked in the joy of receiving a rapturous applause.
The Gig-Arts participants were very fortunate to receive pearls of wisdom from three business professionals at Bloxham Mill; Ray Avery, Graham Hickman and Jan Burnett. The Q&A session was highly engaging and everyone felt encouraged and supported by the friendly atmosphere.
A highlight of the event was an announcement from Ray Avery, Managing Director of Bloxham Mill Business Centre, who said that each participant on the Banbury Gig-Arts Project was invited to come back and gain further work experience at the Business Centre: Some individuals will assist with arranging flowers in the office foyer; others will learn about deep cleaning techniques; some will assist with filing papers and many will create artworks and songs to inspire and entertain the business professionals at Bloxham Mill’s Christmas Luncheon on Tuesday 5th December 2017.
Abbie Cooke, Founder of Gig-Arts and Leader of the Banbury Gig-Arts Project said, “Congratulations to everyone who took part! The Banbury Gig-Arts Project was funded by the Skills Funding Agency, Futures and the European Social Fund and it simply would not have been possible without their support – We are all incredibly grateful.”
Moving forward there is much opportunity on the horizon. The 30 or more participants will each continue to be trained by the Gig-Arts Charity on a monthly basis with the highlight being the Bloxham Mill Business Centre's Christmas Luncheon in December 2017. This new venture will be sponsored by Bloxham Mill Ltd. An enormous thank you to everyone!
Tears of joy from the Gig-Arts participants at the Bloxham Mill Business Centre when the offer of work experience is announced by Ray Avery Managing Director of Bloxham Mill Ltd.
The finale of the Banbury Gig-Arts Project at Bloxham Mill Business Centre
Bloxham Mill's Graham Hickman offers work experience to the Gig-Arts participants
Bloxham Mill's Jan Burnett shakes hands with the participants
(Left to right) The Gig-Arts Team - Jem Tyer, Abbie Cooke and Rex Boyd
The Gig-Arts Banbury Horse Head displayed at Bloxham Mill Business Centre