Dialogue 22 | Mar / Apr 2012
13
Event Durham, Retail & Catering
To infinity and beyond... Team Member Recognition Awards 2012
Infinity Musical Theatre (IMT) is the first musical theatre group at Queen’s Campus.
University Catering, Event Durham and Retail held their first ever Team Member Recognition event at St Mary’s College on Wednesday 11th January. The event was organised by Philip Atkinson and Departmental Managers, to acknowledge the excellent work and commitment provided by members of these teams across the three departments.
Established in 2009 by three students who had a keen interest in musical theatre, and ratified by John Snow College in 2010, in their first year IMT were runners up for the ‘Best New Society’ in Durham at the Annual Awards Dinner. Their first production, Bad Girls - The Musical in February 2011, was a sell out at the professional ARC Theatre in Stockton. IMT now have over thirty members, both staff and students, from across Queen’s Campus, and performed their latest major show, Footloose, at ARC in Stockton in February. Footloose tells the story of life in the small town of Bomont, USA which is peaceful until city boy Ren arrives, breaking every taboo and bringing back dance to the heart of the town held back by the memory of a tragedy. The show included hits such as Holding Out For A Hero, Almost Paradise, Let’s Hear It For The Boy and, of course, Footloose. Above: IMT’s first Honorary Patron, Kate Graham. Top and botttom: ‘Bad Girls’ performed in Feb 2011.
The theatre group regularly take part in a wide range of events and productions for charity. In June, IMT will be part of a performing arts showcase concert organised by John Snow College, the partial proceeds of which will go to Durham University Charities Kommittee (DUCK).
Building on their success, the first Honorary Patron of the IMT was confirmed as Kate Graham in January 2012. Star of Billy Elliot the Musical at the Victoria Palace Theatre, and currently on the International Tour of Mamma Mia, Kate, who is originally from Hartlepool, read her first degree at Durham University. She also studied Music Theatre at the Royal Academy of Music in London. Kate’s love for theatre was evident during her time at Durham University as she took part in many student productions. Speaking about her position she said she was “honoured to be a patron of the society as theatre in Durham is very close to my heart.”
Find out more... email: infinitymusical theatre@gmail.com or search on Facebook for ‘Infinity Musical Theatre.’
Simon O’Rourke, the face of sport for the Tyne Tees Television News programme, North East Tonight, kindly agreed to be involved at the event, presenting each winner with their own personalised trophy. Paul Taylor, Deputy Head of University & Colleges Catering advised, “We understand that the University has some outstanding team members who do their jobs with commitment
and enthusiasm every single day. This event was a key opportunity for us to recognise and thank these people and to make them aware that they are very much valued.” All 10 awards (outlined below along with the winners of each category) were hotly contested and winners were achieved from across all three departments.
Behind the scenes award
Other awards given:
This award is for those who work tirelessly behind the scenes with little or no recognition. They are the backbone of any organisation and we need them as much as we need the teams around us.
Attention to detail award WINNER Tracey McDonald, University College
WINNER Tony Lockey, College of St Hild & St Bede LR: Phil Atkinson, Pia Neave, Rachel Harding, Tony Lockey
Outstanding contribution to a team Throughout the year, many people have given their time, energy and resources in supporting and working with their team. WINNER Edel Feeney, Retail Catering LR: Phil Atkinson, Ritchie Metcalf, Jennie Pope and Edel Feeney.
Best team Great teams show confidence in each others ability, treat each other with respect and dignity and support one other through challenging times. JOINT WINNERS Event Durham / Queen’s Catering Team Event Durham Team. Back row LR: Stina Maynard, Judith Aird, Charlotte Kerr, Lauren Storey, Emma Humble, Becca Bell, Louise Elliott. Front row LR: Carys Morris, Lucy McEnaney, George Martin.
Newcomer of the year WINNER Louise Elliott, Event Durham
Up-seller of the year WINNERS Sandra Pennock, Botanic Garden Gary Cheek, University Catering
Best customer service WINNER Lucy McEnaney, Event Durham
Environmental champion WINNER John Turner, University Catering
Going that extra mile WINNER Bernie Traynor, Trevelyan College
Best leader WINNER Sam Jones, Hatfield College