Local voices

Dr Joan Keating
"I have many favourite children’s books but there is a special place in my heart for Anthony Browne's 'The Shape Game'. Not just because of the fantastic drawings. Not even because it gave us a game to play in waiting rooms or tube trains. But mainly because it gave voice to a central belief I have, namely that when it comes to culture and the arts there are no places that are 'not for the likes of us'. In the book Mrs Browne decides to take her decidedly reluctant brood to the Tate Gallery for her birthday treat. Faced with such a 'posh' building the gang are nervous of how to behave and what they are meant to think. But they soon start to find the paintings interesting and amusing and end up having a great time."

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Azaria
"One of my earliest encounters with Stratford Circus was as a Peer Motivator for Newham. I was part of the very first Peer Motivator scheme for the Borough, and encountered Stratford Circus in the Second year of its running when it was combined with the Arts and Media project."

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