The Arts Partnership About Us

Mark Perks B.Ed ( Hons ) Mark Perks B.Ed ( Hons ) is a primary school teacher and Family Learning Lecturer for Wigan & Leigh College specialising in Numeracy and Literacy. He is a local parish,borough and county councillor Mark is the project coordinator for Astley Village Action a residents group which has been organising holiday activties for children and young people since 2003. Projects have included art, dance, drama, summer sports specials and media and films. He founded Astley Village Juniors Football Club and is their club welfare officer and referee

Michelle Graham Michelle is The Arts Partnership Manager and has worked for the Partnership since 2003. Originaly funder by The Children's Fund Michelle's primary responsibility is to work with children and young people, however this has expanded considerably since 2003 and Michelle is now the Partnerships main point of contact for partner organisations and major funders.

Anita Boon

Dave Peet 30 years experience as a freelance creative artist skilled, in the use of a wide selection of mediums. Reputation, as an artist, has been enhanced by media coverage. Granada Television, LWT, BBC, and in newspapers including Daily Mail, Liverpool Echo. Etc. Children’s Hospital Mural (in the Guinness Book of Records, as the longest mural in the world in 1983) I have always been involved with schools and the community. Many successful workshops and projects in schools and organisations throughout the North West. Other creative works, over the years, include set design, backdrops, props, dynarama’s, displays. for theatre/entertainment companies Contact: 07974 877664

Mike Stone Born 1959 Educated at Hutton G S & Sheffield University Queen Scout & Scout Leader. Began work in Accounts at Ribble Bus Company but moved into IT ASAP. Worked in a telephone support and training role, mainly supporting solicitors offices Musician in a Ceilidh Band (www.mooncoyn.co.uk) and active for many years both supporting and running folk clubs and open mike sessions Joined South Lancashire Arts Partnership in 2006 (I think) Elected Chair for year 2007/2008

Ken Bladen

Gwynne Furlong

Julie Baillie

Sue Ridyard

Neil Aspinal Neil is a freelance musician specialising in drums and percussion. Neil has worked for the Arts Partnership for a number of years initially providing music workshop activities during school holidays, however in 2007 Neil took over the running of the Music Café introducing its users to modern music and sound making technology. In September 2007 Neil re-constituted the Music and Arts for Chorley Youth group (MACY) and has organised a number of live events in the centre’s main hall and has been successful in bringing in funding to run a variety of workshops including a Rock School, and Sound Engineering courses. Having qualified as a training consultant with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, Neil has designed and delivered a number of training courses including basic Radio and Broadcasting Skills workshops. In addition to his regular work Neil also holds a Basic First Aid Certificate, Fire Prevention Certificate and has undertaken Behavioural Management and Safeguarding Young People Training. In his musical career Neil has performed in a variety of bands and musical styles from Punk to Tribute Acts at Pub, Club and Theatre Level. Neil is also experiences in stage and project management.

Rob Ashton Sound and Recording Engineer Rob joined the team initially putting to put his knowledge of writing and arranging music for MC based tracks using modern music production software such as Reason and Cubase to good use, however after successfully obtaining funding he also set up the centres independent record label “Poizon Trench”, kitting it out with a digital recording desk, amongst other state of the art equipment. As the centre’s “Techie” Rob doubles up as our sound engineer during the live events and recording sessions. Rob also holds a Basic First Aid Certificate, Fire Prevention Certificate and has undertaken Safeguarding Young People Training. Rob’s biggest challenge to date was when he was asked to record a whole School choir comprising of around 100 children having initially been told it would be “about a dozen”!.. Suffice it to say he did the job.

Tony Ryan - MC Tony was a regular user of the Music Café facilities during its early days but joined the team in 2007 in order to help the young MC’s and DJ’s develop their skills. As an accomplished and well known MC in and around the region Tony has a wealth of experience in the genres of music which the young people of today are currently listening too and is able to communicate and engage them at all levels. Tony has written and recorded his own CD which sold out in a matter of days, and more recently has written and recorded a number of tracks for a CD themed on the issues facing young people of today and in an attempt to highlight the dangers associated with anti-social behaviour. Tony also holds a Basic First Aid Certificate and has undertaken Safeguarding Young People Training.