Mike Stacey

I would like to nominate my colleague Mike Stacey for his charity work raising funds for the Hurst Primary School where Mike has, for the last 8 years, written, directed and performed in the School's annual pantomime in order to raise funds for the School. These funds have been used to but equipment for the playground, instal a decking area and complete upgrade the Schools sound system. In addition Mike provides the opportunity for final year children to get actively involved in the pantomime, performing and assisting.

Mike takes a well known story and rewrites the script into a pantomime format. In March of this year the theme was around Wind in the Willows, with Mike taking the role of Badger the Authoritarian. He then undertakes casting sessions, rehearsals and finally directs the delivery of the pantomime over 4 nights. The majority of this time comittment is in his own time, with rehearsals running over several evenings a week in the 3 months leading up to the performance. Mike also took time off in March to undertake full dress rehearsals in the week before the performance.

Over the eight years that Mike has been organising this annual vent he has raised £20,000, with £3,500 of this being raised in March 2011. Mike encourages members of the School community to get involved in the performance. In addition he provides an great opportunity for the Year 6 puplis to get involved in what has become a key part of their final year at the School.

The funds raised have improved the quality of the break time activities of children at he School through the provision of new playground equipment and an outdoor decking area. In addition he has enable the School to update it's sound system, which is now used by the School for other performances throughout the School year.