Speight of the Art Launch in North Staffs and Head Quarters Area - Sunday April 5th- sponsored by McDonald's Restaurant
Speight of the Art Launch in North Staffs and Head Quarters Area - Sunday April 5th- sponsored by McDonald's Restaurant Branch Newcastle-Under-Lyme in Support of the Charity and the Local Community.
What a Fantastic Speight of the Art Launch - enjoyed by all!!!
The whole event was sponsored by McDonald's Restaurant Newcastle-Under-Lyme in support of the Speight of the Art charity and the local Community.
The short and long term aims of the local McDonald's and The Speight of the Art Foundation working together to marry the desired outcomes of Mark's Legacy and the McDonald's ethos in supporting local communities was destined to be a successful combination.
The day started at 6 o'clock on the sunny, Sunday morning where the Staff at McDonald' s lead by local businessman Eddie Leligdowicz, the franchisee of McDonald's in Newcastle began a Shift at work...............
McDonald's Staff were working extremely hard decorating the venue with masses of colourful balloons to accompany children's art work, Speight of the art logos and pictures of Mark all beautifully paved across the restaurants walls. The restaurant was proudly a work of Art in itself! The atmosphere was of fun, kindness and anticipation of a 'fruitful' event ahead.
Ian Cook arrives, the Professional Artist, the famous Artist who paints using radio remote control cars with his team - paint pots and paper in hand to deliver the unique Art work shop.. (The first Speight of the Art work shop in McDonald's.)
Lee Drinkwater, from CBBCs Prank Patrol and the Director of the Royal Exchange theatre in Manchester arrives with the celebrity actor and presenter, Chris Clarkson from the BBCS One Show and other TV programmes such as Emmerdale and The Royal. Chris was to be a Living Statue.
Mari Leeds the UK No 1 face painter arrives and Ethan Mark top close up magician and balloon modeller.
The Worshipful Mayor of The Borough of Newcastle-Under-Lyme Councillor John Cooper and the Lady Mayoress Mrs. Angela Cooper were in attendance of the event and enjoyed the occasion.
The children accompanied by parents started arriving, red plastic aprons were given and worn with excited smiley faces.
As predicted, it was in the right setting where local children familiar to the surroundings felt at complete ease to enjoy themselves and where they could freely express themselves in the Art work shop and their art work to be created. The ingredients for the event were inevitably going to make it a tremendous experience for the children. The restaurant was heaving with parents, children, artists and celebrities and despite this the whole event was completely happy, relaxed and controlled.
Oliver Speight delivers to parents and children an excellent presentation full of love for his son, humour, admiration and sincerity giving Mark the dignity, value and respect he deserves. This was followed by a short show-reel of Mark's work. Oliver also shows his great appreciation to all those involved who have contributed to the event.
All the children then were escorted outside for a 'Balloon release' in to the sky in memory of Mark. This activity was very meaningful as Mark's anniversary approached and was enjoyed by all.
All the children and parents were so happy - the interactivity that took place in McDonald's was extraordinarily 'Spectacular'!
The children had been thoroughly entertained had participated in the art work shop learning a new artistic skill painting with radio remote control cars had their faces painted constantly bemused by Ethan with balloons and magic and Chris Clarkson as the highly amusing superb, Living statue. Lee Drinkwater, as Prank Patrol socialised with the children making them laugh and signing 'keepsake' autographs.
Many thanks to all those who contributed their hard work, energy, time, skill and talent. Also a special thank you for the massive contribution made by McDonald's Staff for their extreme hard work and being perfect hosts for the fantastic event.
The day was undoubtedly 'Artistically' memorable and here's to the next event.
Jilly Stubbs
Regional Coordinator for HQ and North Staffs
Media spotlight - read about the foundation in the media...
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I took my daughter & her friend to the SP8 Newcastle Staffs launch on Sunday held at McDonalds. What a great time they had, very well organised & packed full of fun. All the SP8 team, guest artists & McD staff were excellent, so thank you!
One reason why SP8 is so important...
Because of the SATs in my daughters school, she has no art what-so-ever in her final year & not much the year before. So these events are really important in pushing art back into schools to allow the kids fun time to express themselves, let their imagination kick-in plus an important break from the unnecessary SATs stress of maths, english, science, maths, english, science... everyday! These kids of 9 to 11 should be enjoying their childhood & learning in a fun environment, not stressing (like A level students) with the pressure placed on them to do well for their school in the SATs tables. Childhood is over far too quickly, so lets get behind SP8 now & make a difference for all the kids.
Also thanks to the Media, full page centre spread in the Sun yesterday & interview just with Oliver on BBC Breakfast.
Well done SP8 & thoughts with Oliver and family yesterday, the 1st anniversary of Mark's passing.
SUN Article Tuesday 7th April: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/features/article2363686.ece
Thank you so much for those kind words Jilly. As you rightly said, the store did the charity (and me!) very proud indeed so I have copied them on this note so that they can share the recognition they deserve. Very well done Dave and the whole team at Newcastle who made the day what it was, delivering a fantastic McDonald’s experience. My thanks also goes out to the support staff from Hanley and Wolstanton McDonald’s for their respective contributions on the day. Very well done everyone!
I don’t think I could have wished for the day itself to have turned out any better than it did. I can still visualise the sheer joy and pleasure on all the children’s faces throughout the mornings events. Quite an experience for all involved that made all the hard work more than worthwhile.
Here’s to the next event
Eddie Leligdowicz
McDonald's in Newcastle