Flash Company Arts

Tag: news

  • Results of our F.A.B. November snap survey!

    Results of our F.A.B. November snap survey!

    Flowergate and Beyond: Artisan Quarter Community & Business Insights November!

    What People Love About the ‘Artisan Quarter‘

    Independent Shops and Local Businesses
    🛍 Visitors and locals enjoy the variety of independent shops, cafes, and creative spaces.

    Community Feeling
    🤝 There is a strong sense of community among business owners and residents.

    Character and Charm
    🎨 The area is known for its quirky character, alternative culture, and unique charm.

    Takeaway: The Artisan Quarter’s independent businesses, community spirit, and unique character make it a place people love to visit, work, and spend time in.

    What Could Be Better in the Artisan Quarter

    Signage and Wayfinding
    🗺 Clear maps and signs would make it easier to navigate the area and discover hidden corners.

    Community Activities and Leisure
    🎭 People want more inclusive workshops, pop-up exhibitions, and evening or non-pub activities.

    Social Inclusion and Tensions
    ⚖ Promoting respect, inclusion, and a welcoming atmosphere is important for everyone.

    Practical Infrastructure
    🚗 Easier parking and improved accessibility would help both visitors and local workers.

    Takeaway: Improvements in navigation, accessibility, inclusive activities, and community-building initiatives could strengthen the area.

    Hidden and Special Spots

    Quirky Spaces
    🌿 There are lots of hidden yards and corners waiting to be discovered.

    Community Spaces
    ☕ Public halls, gardens, and social spaces offer quiet spots for gathering and creativity.

    Takeaway: Highlighting these unique areas can increase engagement, footfall, and community enjoyment.

    Events and Activities People Want

    Creative and Cultural
    🎶 Music performances, theatre, street art, and creative maker events are popular ideas.

    Community and Inclusivity
    🤲 People value inclusive activities and opportunities for networking and collaboration.

    Family-Friendly
    👨‍👩‍👧 Activities that can be enjoyed by families are also desired.

    Takeaway: There is strong interest in arts, culture, inclusivity, and family-friendly programming.

    Barriers to Participation

    Cost and Affordability
    💰 Expenses and high rent can make it difficult for people and small initiatives to get involved.

    Limited Space and Opportunities

    Timing and Accessibility
    ⏰ Limited opening hours and scheduling conflicts restrict participation.

    Footfall and Environment
    🧹 Low visitor numbers and litter affect the experience and business opportunities.

    Takeaway: Addressing affordability, accessibility, and environmental concerns will help more people engage with the area.

    Business Highlights

    What Businesses Appreciate

    • Independent, creative, and diverse character of the area.
    • Footfall from visitors and events that support local enterprise.

    What Could Be Better

    • Improved signage, communication, accessibility, parking, and general environment.

    Events or Initiatives That Could Help

    • Pop-up spaces, community events, artisan discovery initiatives, collaboration opportunities, and skills development.

    Takeaway: Businesses value visibility, community support, and practical assistance to thrive in the area.

    Overall Insights

    • Strengths: Independent shops, quirky character, creativity, and events.
    • Opportunities: Improve signage, accessibility, inclusive activities, and promote hidden spots.
    • Challenges: Cost, limited space, low footfall, litter, and social tensions.
    • Business Priorities: Collaboration, pop-up events, promotional initiatives, and practical support such as parking and skills development.

  • Flash Company Arts Founder Awarded British Empire Medal – and we are so proud!

    Flash Company Arts Founder Awarded British Empire Medal – and we are so proud!

    Flash Company Arts is proud to share that its founder, Rebecca Denniff, has been named in the King’s Birthday Honours List as a recipient of the British Empire Medal (BEM) for exceptional services to music education.

    This national honour recognises decades of work supporting young people and communities through creative music-making, performance, and inclusive, community-rooted arts practice. Based in Whitby, Flash Company Arts has become known for its commitment to reaching those often excluded from mainstream opportunities and for its nurturing, youth-led approach to arts engagement.

    The award also acknowledges the challenges overcome by Rebecca in bringing this work to life, including the social and structural barriers faced by many working-class and rurally based women.

    Reflecting on the award, she shared:

    “This kind of recognition is never something I imagined. It’s not something I’ve ever worked toward or expected. But when I saw that the award was specifically for music education, and for the work we do through Flash Company Arts, I felt I had to accept it – not for myself, but for everyone who’s been part of this journey.

    As a northern, working-class woman who has lived through domestic violence, and the isolation that comes with being a rurally based parent to children with disabilities, I know how often opportunities and recognition are out of reach for people like me. To have the work we’ve done in Whitby acknowledged in this way means more than I can easily put into words.

    This medal may have my name on it, it belongs to many. To the young people who’ve trusted us with their creativity. To the artists who’ve walked alongside us. To the communities who’ve welcomed and supported what we do. And to every individual who’s helped make space for our work to thrive.”

    Flash Company Arts continues to work at the heart of its community, championing inclusive, accessible, and creative opportunities for all. This recognition marks a powerful milestone in that journey.

  • Coming Together for Whitby’s Children and Young People

    Coming Together for Whitby’s Children and Young People

    A recap from the Whitby Community Alliance meeting – 20 May 2025

    On 20 May, a committed group of local organisations gathered at Flowergate Hall for a purposeful and energising meeting of the Whitby Community Alliance (WCA), focused on how we can better support our children and young people (CYP).

    The session brought thoughtful discussion, practical ideas, and a real sense of shared direction.

    Who Was There?

    Representatives attended from:
    Carers Plus, Caring Together, Flash Company Arts, Hope Whitby, Living Well, Pannett Art Gallery, Ryedale Community Transport, WHISH, Whitby Group Practice, and Whitby Youth Club.

    What We Talked About

    The Local Picture

    Children and young people in Whitby face a range of complex challenges, many shaped by rural isolation, limited transport, and restricted access to suitable activities and spaces. These concerns reflect themes in the Child of the Northreport, which outlines persistent regional inequalities across the North of England.

    Inclusion and Diversity

    WHISH shared powerful insights from their work with young people who live with over 50 different impairments and syndromes — many of them rare. Their input reminded us how important it is for services to be flexible, inclusive, and responsive to the full range of needs in our community.

    Youth Voice in Practice

    There was shared agreement that embedding Youth Voice in service design and delivery is vital. We need to involve young people not just in feedback, but in shaping the work we do from the ground up.

    Access, Aspiration and Opportunity

    We discussed the need to open up more facilities and create more opportunities for youth volunteering. Helping young people build confidence, skills and real-world experience will strengthen the future of our community. Volunteer experiences create a virtuous circle of community action — sparking engagement, ownership, and long-term involvement.

    As one participant put it: “You have to see it to be it.” Providing visibility of opportunities and role models helps to broaden young people’s horizons.

    FORGE and Creative Connections

    We also looked at the work of FORGE, the Local Cultural Education Partnership (LCEP) for North Yorkshire. FORGE connects schools, arts organisations and community groups to improve access to creative and cultural opportunities for children and young people. Aligning Whitby-based efforts with this county-wide network could open up valuable new partnerships and projects.

    What’s Next?

    The group agreed to establish a new Children and Young People Action Group under the Whitby Community Alliance. The group will focus on identifying shared priorities and developing collaborative strategies to improve opportunities and outcomes for local CYP.

    It will be co-chaired by Rebecca (Flash Company Arts) and Yvonne (WHISH).

    If you’d like to be part of the Action Group, please just send me an email — we’d love to have you involved.

    Save the Date

    Our next Whitby Community Alliance meeting will take place on:

    Monday 17 June 2025
    Theme: Vision for Volunteering in Whitby

    We’ll be exploring how to grow a strong and inclusive culture of volunteering — one that works for young people, older volunteers, and everyone in between.

  • A Right Royal Day Out!

    On April 3, 2025, Rebecca and David had the honour of representing Flash Company Arts at a Community Music reception hosted by King Charles III at Windsor Castle. Rebecca was not only there to represent Flash Company Arts but also as the chair of Sound Sense, celebrating the incredible work of community musicians across the UK and beyond.

    The event, held in St George’s Hall and the Waterloo Chamber, was a warm and welcoming gathering that brought together community musicians and organisations from all over the country. Performances were a real highlight — from the Sing for Freedom Choir and Songs for Ukraine Chorus to the London Gay Men’s Chorus (who greeted guests with songs from the balcony), the Royal College of Music Quartet, and the talented YolanDa Brown. Even the London Vegetable Orchestra joined in, leading a playful micro-workshop where the King himself had a go at playing a carrot recorder.

    Windsor Castle illuminated at night, the venue for a Community Music reception hosted by King Charles III.

    “It was an honour to meet the King and to personally thank him for shining a light on the incredible work of community musicians, especially in Whitby,” said Rebecca. “His recognition of the sector is invaluable, and it reinforces the importance of continuing to support and celebrate grassroots music-making across the UK.”

    A group of people engaging in conversation and shaking hands during a community music event at Windsor Castle, featuring King Charles III.
    Rebecca and fellow attendees with King Charles III during the Community Music reception at Windsor Castle.

    That moment with the King perfectly summed up the spirit of community music — it’s playful, inclusive, and open to everyone, whether they’re a seasoned musician or picking up a vegetable instrument for the first time. For Rebecca, attending alongside fellow Sound Sense board members and members of the wider network was both inspiring and a powerful reminder of the collective impact of community music on wellbeing and community resilience.

    Rebecca and David posing together outside Windsor Castle, with a stone tower and grassy area in the background.
    Rebecca and David pose for a photo outside Windsor Castle after attending a community music reception hosted by King Charles III.

    “This kind of recognition matters,” Rebecca noted, “but so does the ongoing work of advocacy. We need to keep making the case for our sector to ensure that community music continues to be supported, valued, and sustained for the long term.”

  • Boost Your Wellbeing with Flash Company Arts This February

    February is shaping up to be an exciting and creative month with Flash Company Arts, as they roll out a whole raft of engaging activities designed to help you boost your wellbeing. Whether you’re a music lover, an art enthusiast, or just looking for a fun way to unwind, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

    What’s On?

    Flash Company Arts has lined up a diverse selection of activities, all aimed at fostering creativity, relaxation, and community connection. Here’s what you can look forward to:

    🎻 Folk Band (Wednesdays, 10:30 AM – 12 PM) – Love traditional tunes? Join the folk band and play alongside others who share a passion for folk music. A fantastic opportunity to learn, collaborate, and have fun.

    🎸 Guitar Jam Sessions (Wednesdays, 1 PM) – Grab your guitar and join in! Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, these jam sessions offer a great way to express yourself through music.

    ☕ Flash Arts Café Sessions (Fridays, 1:30 – 3 PM) – A relaxed, social setting where you can enjoy creative discussions, art activities, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

    🎨 Drop-in iPad Arts Sessions (Mondays, 1:30 – 3 PM) – Explore the world of digital art with expert guidance. Whether you’re a complete novice or looking to develop your skills, these sessions offer a unique way to experiment with creative technology.

    ✍️ Whitby and Grosmont Writers Group (Second Monday of the Month) – A supportive space for writers to share their work, exchange ideas, and develop their craft. Whether you’re an aspiring author or an experienced wordsmith, this group is the perfect place to find inspiration.

    🧘 Happy Seal Yoga (Tuesday Nights at the Hall) – Looking for a way to unwind and reconnect with your body and mind? Happy Seal Yoga meets every Tuesday night at the mall, and you can book directly with them for a refreshing and revitalizing session.

    🎭 Lobster Pot Youth Theatre (Wednesdays, 4:30-6:15 PM) – Our amazing youth theatre is an exciting opportunity for young people to explore drama, build confidence, and work together on incredible performances. This year, they’ve chosen to stage Shakespeare’s The Tempest—a bold and brilliant choice! Best of all, it’s completely free for young people to participate.

    🎶 Whitby Community Choir (Wednesdays, 7-8:30 PM) – Love to sing? The Whitby Community Choir is open to new singers, welcoming all voices and experience levels. Come along and enjoy the magic of group singing in a warm and friendly environment!

    📌 No Booking Required! – All of these fantastic sessions are drop-in friendly, so you can just turn up and take part—no need to book in advance!

    Why Get Involved?

    Engaging in the arts isn’t just about creativity—it’s also a powerful tool for mental and emotional wellbeing. Studies have shown that music, art, and social activities can help reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance overall mental health. Flash Company Arts provides a friendly, inclusive space where you can connect with others, try something new, and give yourself a creative boost.

    So, why not take a break, pick up a guitar, paint on an iPad, write a story, or even step onto the stage?

    Join In!

    No matter your experience level, Flash Company Arts welcomes you to get involved and embrace the joy of creativity this February. Drop by a session, bring a friend, and make time for your own wellbeing.

    📞 Contact us:
    📱 Phone: 07508 641880
    📧 Email: Rebecca.flashcompanyarts@gmail.com

    For more details, feel free to reach out—we’d love to hear from you!